# Berlin Election: Candidates Pledge to Revitalize City's Neglected Public Spaces

*Candidates in Berlin's state election are focusing on the city's deteriorating public spaces and infrastructure as key campaign issues.*

September 15, 2026 · World

As Berlin prepares for its state election, the condition of the city's public spaces has emerged as a central campaign theme. Politicians from various parties are highlighting the run-down state of streets, playgrounds, train stations, and cycling lanes, vowing to address these issues if elected. The city's chronic financial struggles and inefficient administration have exacerbated these problems, painting a picture of a metropolis in decline.

Berlin, known for its rich cultural life and vibrant nightlife, faces persistent challenges. Garbage-strewn streets, graffiti-covered train stations, and unsafe playgrounds have become symbols of the city's neglect. The small party Volt has capitalized on public frustration, running campaign posters promising to 'unf*ck berlin' and listing a range of complaints from potholes to 'garbage mountains'.

The city's financial woes are well-documented. With a debt of 2.2 billion euros in late 2024, Berlin has had to implement painful spending cuts. This financial strain has led to delayed investments and budget cuts in public infrastructure, as highlighted by the Technical University's recent closure due to structural defects and fire safety issues. The university's president, Fatma Deniz, attributed the situation to 'decades of delayed investment and budget cuts'.

Cycling infrastructure, crucial in a city where 18 percent of trips are made by bike, is also in poor condition. Lisa Feitsch of the cycling association ADFC complained about outdated, narrow, and overgrown cycling lanes. These issues reflect broader concerns about Berlin's bureaucracy and administration, which have been criticized for their slow and often inefficient operations.

The election campaign has seen various parties vying for the top spot, with the centre-right CDU, far-left Die Linke, far-right AfD, and Greens all polling in the range of 16 to 21 percent. The centre-left SPD trails behind. Each party has its strongholds across Berlin's diverse districts, from the leafy western suburbs to the former East Berlin's residential tower blocks.

Berlin's electoral process has not been without its own share of chaos. The 2021 election saw long queues, polling booth shortages, and obstructed resupply efforts due to a marathon held on the same day. The ensuing fiasco and subsequent street unrest led to criticism from outside the city, with Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder calling Berlin a 'chaos city'. The election was eventually re-run successfully in 2023.

For Bangladeshi readers, the situation in Berlin underscores the importance of efficient urban management and the impact of financial constraints on public services. As cities around the world face similar challenges, the outcomes of Berlin's election could offer valuable lessons in addressing urban decay and improving civic infrastructure.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/berlin-election-public-spaces-campaign-focus