Berlin election: AfD attacks Wegner, Brinker aims for mayor's office

Berlin's AfD top candidate, Kristin Brinker, has sharply criticized the incumbent Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, asserting her party's ambition to become the strongest political force in the city and secure the position of mayor. Speaking at an AfD rally, Brinker declared, "We want to become the strongest force here in Berlin too – and we will achieve it," vowing to bring about a "blue turn," referencing the AfD's party color.

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You can simply not do it.

Brinker accused the CDU of failing to deliver on promises, citing perceived shortcomings in economic policy and the number of naturalizations, which she deemed excessively high. Addressing internal security concerns, she pointed to recent knife attacks and gun violence in Berlin, demanding an end to lengthy court waiting times and what she termed "cuddly justice." Brinker also advocated for the swift deportation of non-German citizens convicted of crimes.

The AfD leader directly attacked Wegner, labeling his political actions over recent years as "unforgivable" and calling him a prime example of the city's "decay, both politically and humanly." Brinker specifically referenced the "Tennisgate" scandal, where Wegner faced criticism for playing tennis during a major power outage in early January, alleging Wegner had misled the public about his activities. "The whole country is laughing at Tennisgate," she stated.

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We want to become the strongest force here in Berlin too – and we will achieve it. We will create the blue turn.

National AfD leaders echoed Brinker's sentiments. AfD federal chairman Tino Chrupalla praised Brinker as the best candidate for Berlin and criticized current leadership as "incompetents who go play tennis and lie to us." Chrupalla urged Wegner to retire and reiterated the goal of making the Berlin City Hall "blue" for the first time. Saxony-Anhalt AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund expressed confidence that the AfD would make history in 2026, starting with Berlin, suggesting that success in the capital would pave the way for victories elsewhere.

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The political mistakes of recent years are no longer forgivable. And Kai Wegner, who is still sitting behind us in the town hall, is the prime example of this decay – both politically and humanly.

According to police, approximately 600 AfD supporters attended the rally, many waving German flags. Around 200 counter-protesters, including members of Antifa and Omas gegen Rechts (Grannies Against the Right), were also present.

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The whole country is laughing at Tennisgate.