Steffen Krach, the leading SPD candidate in Berlin, sharply criticized the planned cuts to the housing benefit (Wohngeld) proposed by Federal Finance Minister and SPD Party Leader Lars Klingbeil. Speaking to the “Welt” Krach stated that he considers the measure a fundamentally flawed approach and strongly advised that it be halted immediately.
He warned that discussing such reductions in welfare would only adversely affect people with low incomes, especially at a time when the entire country is experiencing uncertainty. Krach questioned the timing of the proposal, criticizing the current governing coalition-which originally ran campaigns focused on marginalizing the AfD-for suggesting such measures. In his view, this proposal worked to benefit the AfD.
The SPD politician then shifted focus to housing market solutions, arguing that more initiatives are necessary. He advocated for significantly increased construction-20,000 new units annually, reaching 100,000 over the next legislative period-and reiterated the need for a temporary rent cap.
Krach also addressed the future formation of governing coalitions. While specifying no exceptions for local rules, he stated that at the current time, he rules out forming a coalition in Berlin with the AfD. Regarding the Berlin Senate, he noted that he is closely observing the Berlin Left, maintaining that he has clearly drawn red lines, declaring that there will be no antisemitism present in the Senate. Finally, he harshly criticized the current governing mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), calling him “by far the worst governing mayor since the fall of the Berlin Wall”.