From the BZ editorial team
There should be no Christmas lights on the Kudamm this Advent. But can Berlin really do without Christmas lights? Eberhard Diepgen and Walter Momper discuss this.
Eberhard Diepgen: No, that does more harm than good
“I walk the streets alone. Every house is lit up quietly.” No, that’s not supposed to happen either because of the expected energy crisis. And then a cheerful lighting on the Kudamm and also on Unter den Linden?
As we have known it for years, as it simply belongs to the days of Advent and Christmas. Not – even if that is part of it – to support the search for Christmas presents. It is also about all of us reflecting on what should be conveyed with the birth of Christ, beyond the different religions and worldviews: love and respect for the neighbor and the striving for peace.
That is why the renunciation of the light of Advent and Christmas appears as the opposite of what is a correct sign, especially today in view of the war in Ukraine. Saving electricity is not everything. The Senate wants to refuse the financial support for the Christmas lights on Berlin’s flagship streets this year, which has been the norm for many years.
It’s not so much about the electricity costs, which at 8,000 euros on the Kudamm are just peanuts given the high costs for assembly and dismantling. The Senate must credibly convey its demand for energy savings to a broad public. Savings should be made on brightly lit advertising and Berlin landmarks.
I therefore understand the Senate’s deliberations. In any case, I fear that too much money will be spent without a clear orientation towards need and need. But here, too, politics seems to me to be refusing the basic knowledge that everything belongs together. The attraction of Christmassy Berlin should also be considered.
In view of generally rising prices, the retail trade is heading into a crisis. Berlin politicians cannot be indifferent to this. It has to be counteracted. The Senate should therefore continue to contribute to the costs. I would be happy to talk to me about time restrictions on lighting. Anything else does more harm than good.
Walter Momper: No, but not co-financed by the Senate
If private initiators want it and also donate the necessary money for it, the Kurfürstendamm can also be illuminated again. It is correct that the Berlin Senate will not contribute to the costs of around 600,000 euros because of the energy crisis.
Of course it is very nice and atmospheric to see the rows of trees on Kurfürstendamm illuminated during the Christmas season. That brightens the mood. But even if you use energy-saving lamps for it, it still consumes energy. The Senate cannot support that.
The Senate should focus on helping those on low incomes meet their energy bills. The effort for this is big enough. We cannot afford to spend more, not even on the finer things in life.
Of course it would be fine if the City Working Group and private sponsors could raise the money to illuminate the Kurfürstendamm. I also like looking down the illuminated Kudamm from Halensee. It really is a Christmas joy. But not everything has to be funded with public money.
When we hopefully get through next winter well, the cards will be reshuffled. Then hopefully times will come again when we will see the Kudamm festively illuminated and the Senate will help.