Former Berlin Culture Senator Condemns Budget Cuts as 'Destructive'

Klaus Lederer criticizes Berlin's CDU-SPD coalition for cultural funding reductions, accusing them of prioritizing power over strategic planning.

Berlin's former Culture Senator Klaus Lederer has strongly criticized the CDU-SPD coalition's decision to cut €130 million from the city's cultural budget in 2025.
Lederer described the coalition's approach as a 'wrecking ball mentality' and accused them of lacking strategic vision for the city's cultural sector.
He claimed the coalition's actions are driven by internal political motives, neglecting the long-term impact on Berlin's reputation as a cultural hub.
The reductions are part of broader budget cuts totaling €3 billion, with the coalition arguing that the city will still allocate about €1 billion to culture in 2025.
Lederer, who served as Culture Senator from 2016 to 2023, expressed concerns that the cuts could lead to lasting damage to Berlin's cultural institutions and programs.