The Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey (44, SPD) made a statement on the verdict in front of the Red City Hall
Photo: dpa/picture-alliance
From the BZ editorial team
Two and a half hours after the verdict was announced, the Governing Mayor appeared in front of the press and gave a four-minute statement. Questions were not allowed.
“Berlin is now facing a challenging situation,” said Franziska Giffey (44, SPD). It is important to do everything now so that the by-elections are well prepared. “We respect this verdict, the Berlin Senate will not appeal against it.”
Left country chief Katina Schubert (60) described the court’s decision as a “blatant judgment”. “There was very clear criticism of the organizational failure of the internal administration.”
Similarly, the Greens: “The verdict is a violent smack for those responsible for the last election.”
“Berlin has been given a second chance,” said AfD state chairwoman Kristin Brinker (50).
FDP country chief Christoph Meyer (47): “The state constitutional court comes to the only right conclusion from the election disaster.”
Little enthusiasm from the Berlin business associations: “For the economy, the repetition of the election comes at the worst possible time. The election campaign and possibly the formation of a new government will mean deadlock for months.”