Berlin Faces Backlash Over $2 Billion Budget Cuts, Cultural Sector Hit Hard

Opposition leaders criticize Kultursenator Joe Chialo for failing to defend the arts as Berlin's government enacts sweeping austerity measures.

Berlin's black-red coalition announced plans to address a €3 billion budget deficit through €2 billion in cuts, loans, and limited tax increases.
The cultural sector faces a €130 million reduction, representing 12% of its budget, sparking outrage among opposition parties and the arts community.
Kultursenator Joe Chialo (CDU) has been accused by Green and Left Party leaders of failing to adequately fight for the preservation of cultural funding.
Green Party leader Werner Graf described Chialo's handling of the cuts as a 'failure,' citing the impact on Berlin's iconic creative scene, including clubs and cultural institutions.
Finance Senator Stefan Evers (CDU) defended the reductions, arguing that all sectors must contribute to closing the deficit, while dismissing opposition criticism as lacking viable alternatives.