Berlin Finance Senator Faces Protests Over Planned Budget Cuts at Queer Christmas Market

Stefan Evers was forced to abandon his speech as activists decried proposed funding cuts to queer youth centers in the city.

Finance Senator Stefan Evers (CDU) was met with loud protests at the Christmas Avenue queer Christmas market in Berlin, preventing him from delivering his planned opening speech.
Protesters, including representatives of queer organizations, criticized the Berlin Senate's proposed €3 billion budget cuts, which threaten funding for queer youth centers.
Demonstrators carried placards, stormed the stage, and threw pink banknotes in a symbolic protest, though no physical altercations or property damage occurred.
The youth network Lambda, which operates Berlin's first statewide queer youth center, warned that without funding, critical safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth may close by January 1.
Evers defended the budget cuts as necessary but acknowledged ongoing parliamentary discussions could lead to adjustments to protect essential services.