Berlin Organizations and Verlags Protest €3 Billion Budget Cuts

Cultural, educational, and environmental groups criticize proposed reductions, warning of long-term consequences for the city's infrastructure and quality of life.

• Over 20 Berlin-based organizations, including Fridays for Future and Greenpeace, have signed an open letter urging Mayor Kai Wegner to reverse the planned €3 billion budget cuts for 2025.
• The cuts include €130 million from the cultural sector, threatening theaters, festivals, clubs, and the city's literary scene, with 50 publishing houses also voicing objections.
• Critics argue the reductions will exacerbate issues like school building disrepair, limited childcare availability, and inadequate public transport services.
• Environmental groups highlight the elimination of affordable public transport options, such as the €29 ticket, and reduced funding for cycling infrastructure and climate initiatives.
• Signatories warn that the cuts will harm Berlin's cultural identity, social services, and economic appeal, calling the proposal a 'political failure.'

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