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Berlin Mayor Reverses Ban, Clears 'Kaffeewette' Charity Drive to Proceed

Kai Wegner approved the districts’ coffee collection following a finance review that deemed authorization possible.

Overview

  • Wegner informed boroughs by email on Friday that he grants approval, citing the finance administration’s view that the drive neither suggests bias nor bribery.
  • The Senatskanzlei had halted the campaign a day earlier after Friedrichshain‑Kreuzberg raised legal concerns and the anti‑corruption office was consulted.
  • Several sponsoring retailers withdrew their public cash pledges during the dispute, though districts said they would continue collecting coffee for the Kältehilfe.
  • This year’s effort is scheduled for January 19 to February 5, continuing a 2019 Neukölln initiative that adds €2,500 per borough once 500 coffee packs are collected.
  • Senate officials said they will retain the campaign’s benefits through a legally secure setup to avoid conflicts with public‑service integrity rules.