From Hildburg Bruns
Now the CDU team of the future GroKo government is also standing. Equal representation was very important to the soon-to-be ruler Kai Wegner (50, CDU), i.e. equal numbers of women and men.
Wegner has also succeeded in doing this, particularly through the decision to have a woman in the justice department. The CDU is taking over two departments (culture, justice) from the left, two from the Greens (transport, finance) and one after 28 years from the SPD – education. And of course the number 1 in the Red Town Hall also changes.
This is the CDU team:
► ruling mayor
Kai Wegner (50) brings the CDU back to the executive chair in the Red City Hall after a 22-year absence. Hertha fan, father of three children by two women, divorced. Without Abitur for military service in the Air Force, trained insurance salesman. Professional politician since 2005.
In all likelihood, Kai Wegner will become Berlin’s future governing mayor Photo: Christoph Soeder/dpa
► Finance
Stefan Evers (43) studied law and had his sights set on urban development. Above all, however, the success of the Berlin CDU – as General Secretary, he steered the successful election campaign that led to the 28 percent victory. Is partnered with his husband.
New Finance Senator and Mayor Stefan Evers (CDU) Photo: dpa
► Education
Katharina Günther-Wünsch (40) takes over responsibility for schools and day-care centers after 27 years with the SPD. Lives in Mahlsdorf with husband and three sons (15, 7, 4). Used to do martial arts, wears tattoos, studied teaching. Taught in Namibia and Neukölln, since 2021 member of parliament with a direct mandate in Marzahn-Helersdorf.
Katharina Günther-Wünsch (40) is the new school senator Photo: CDU
► Traffic/Environment/Climate
Manja Schreiner (44), grew up in Rostock and Egypt. The lawyer (two children) is a CDU deputy and was also active in district politics in Pankow. Currently head of the Fachgemeinschaft Bau, an employers’ association. Tells that she wrote 70 applications as a young lawyer – it only worked with a doctorate.
A pragmatist for the transport department: Manja Schreiner (44, CDU) Photo: dpa
► culture
Joe Chialo (52), music manager (Universal) and book author (“The fight goes on”) was set for a long time. He is the son of a diplomatic family from Tanzania and the first black in the CDU federal association. His most important personality: decision on the Barenboim successor.
Joe Chialo (52), music manager Photo: Ralf Lutter
► justice
Felor Badenberg (47), born in Tehran, has been the first woman Vice President of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution since mid-2022. Last year, she ensured that the AfD was classified as a suspected right-wing extremist. The Iranian came to Germany when she was twelve.
Future Senator for Justice Felor Badenberg (47) Photo: dpa