Stefan Evers becomes CDU's lead candidate for Berlin state election

Berlin's finance senator, Stefan Evers, has stepped into the spotlight as the CDU's lead candidate for the upcoming September state election. The 46-year-old was unanimously chosen by the state executive board, a move that also sees him take the helm as the party's interim leader.

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The CDU Berlin is well positioned and stands united.

Evers' ascent follows the withdrawal of incumbent Governing Mayor Kai Wegner from the top candidacy. Wegner's decision came after a prolonged period of scrutiny regarding his handling of a multi-day power outage in January. Reports indicated inconsistencies and inaccuracies in his accounts of the crisis management, including his activities during the outage.

"The situation we are in is not easy," Evers stated after his election, acknowledging the challenges ahead. "At the same time, we are aware of our responsibility for this city." He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Berlin CDU, asserting that the party is "well-positioned and stands united." Evers highlighted Wegner's withdrawal as a move to "free up the view for what is essential," vowing to position the CDU to the best of its ability.

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The situation we are in is not easy. At the same time, we are aware of our responsibility for this city.

Evers, who currently serves as both finance and culture senator, will formally assume the party leadership at a party congress. The current general secretary, Ottilie Klein, is stepping down. Lukas Krieger, a member of the Bundestag and district chairman, is set to become the interim general secretary, a decision also made unanimously.

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Wegner withdrew from the lead candidacy to free up the view for what is essential. For that, we want to position the CDU Berlin in the best possible way together.