Berlin Election Campaign: Wegner Under Pressure, Potential Successors Emerge

Berlin's CDU leader and top candidate, Kai Wegner, is under pressure, with a crucial meeting of district chairpersons scheduled for Friday evening that could lead to a showdown over his leadership. Questions linger about whether Wegner will remain the top candidate for the September parliamentary election, continue as Governing Mayor, and retain his party leadership.

While no clear new frontrunners have emerged, two senators are being discussed in media circles as potential successors. Stefan Evers, the current Finance Senator, is noted for his dual role in finance and culture since April. Evers, who has a background in traditional party politics and previously served as the CDU's general secretary in Berlin, is considered competent and loyal, though he has faced criticism for sharp political rhetoric. His policy positions are not expected to deviate significantly from Wegner's.

Felor Badenberg, the Senator for Justice and Consumer Protection, is also mentioned as a potential candidate. Badenberg transitioned into politics in April 2023 after a 17-year career at the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, where she held significant roles, including leading the department for right-wing extremism and terrorism. She joined the CDU only in May 2024, after serving as a senator for over a year. Badenberg, who came to Germany as a child from Iran, is running in the upcoming election as the lead candidate for the CDU in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.