Berlin Senate Implements Conflict Resolution Rules Amid Leadership Relationship

A policy introduced to address potential conflicts of interest has been used only once in the past year.

Berlin's Senate introduced a policy in January 2024 to address potential conflicts of interest involving personal relationships among leadership.
The rule ensures that Finance Senator Stefan Evers mediates disputes involving the Education Department instead of Mayor Kai Wegner due to his relationship with Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch.
The sole instance of mediation under this policy occurred in March 2024, resolving a disagreement over refugee children's education between the Education and Integration Departments.
The Senate's operational guidelines emphasize separating personal and professional matters to maintain professionalism in governance.
In cases involving the Finance Department, mediation responsibilities fall to Deputy Mayor Franziska Giffey, reflecting a broader approach to conflict management within the Senate.