Former Berlin Culture Senator Lambasts Current Government’s Cultural Policy
Klaus Lederer, Berlin’s former Senator for Culture, has launched a scathing critique of the current black-red coalition government’s approach to cultural policy. In a recent interview with the "Tagesspiegel," Lederer voiced deep concerns about the direction the city’s cultural landscape is heading under the leadership of Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU). Lederer accuses the government of pursuing a policy of "dismantling" Berlin’s rich cultural heritage, driven by political expediency rather than a genuine understanding or appreciation of the arts.
Lederer, who served as Culture Senator from 2016 to 2023 and has since left the Left Party, argues that the fundamental question of the government’s objectives in cultural policy remains unanswered. He laments the absence of strategic discussions or a clear vision for the future of Berlin’s cultural institutions. Instead, he sees a relentless drive to cut funding, a move he believes is inexplicable even to members of the ruling CDU and SPD parties.
"I see no indication that strategic debates are taking place or even desired," Lederer stated. He attributes the government’s actions to "internal power politics" and a willingness to exploit "culture-hostile resentment" to achieve its goals. This, he believes, is manifested in the government’s focus on peripheral issues while ignoring the larger challenges facing the city’s cultural sector.
The core of Lederer’s criticism revolves around the significant budget cuts imposed on the cultural sector. The Berlin House of Representatives approved a budget reduction of three billion euros for 2025, with the cultural sector bearing a substantial burden of approximately 130 million euros in cuts. This decision has sparked widespread protests within the cultural community, who fear the long-term consequences for Berlin’s artistic vitality.
While the Wegner administration defends its actions by pointing out that Berlin will still allocate around one billion euros to culture in 2025, Lederer dismisses this as a misleading justification. He argues that the absolute amount is less important than the impact of the cuts on individual institutions and the overall cultural ecosystem. He believes the reductions will disproportionately affect smaller, independent organizations and initiatives, which are crucial for fostering innovation and diversity in the arts.
Lederer is particularly critical of Mayor Wegner’s approach to engaging with the cultural sector. He accuses Wegner of engaging in superficial gestures, such as inviting the heads of major cultural institutions for meetings, without addressing the underlying problems. Lederer sees these meetings as mere "damage control," designed to appease disgruntled leaders with empty promises of future improvements in 2035. He suggests Wegner’s primary concern is protecting Berlin’s reputation as a cultural capital and preventing cultural institutions from publicly denouncing the government’s policies.
"Instead, he invites the heads of the major houses to himself with media fanfare and applies balm to their tormented souls, with the prospect that everything will be fine in 2035," Lederer said. He expressed skepticism that Wegner could actually guarantee such improvements, highlighting the precarious financial situation and the lack of a coherent long-term strategy.
Lederer advocates for a more nuanced and collaborative approach to cultural policy. He believes a genuine discussion is needed to assess the true needs of Berlin’s cultural landscape and identify areas where resources can be allocated more effectively. He acknowledges that some cuts may be necessary, but insists that these decisions should be based on careful consideration and informed by the expertise of those working in the cultural sector.
Instead, Lederer accuses the government of imposing cuts based solely on "Excel spreadsheets" without consulting the relevant Senator or considering the potential consequences. He describes this approach as a "brutal wrecking-ball mentality" disguised with "neoliberal phrases and motivational coach sayings." He argues that the government is prioritizing short-term financial gains over the long-term health and vibrancy of Berlin’s cultural scene.
The former senator’s harsh criticism underscores the growing tension between the government and the cultural community in Berlin. The budget cuts have reignited a long-standing debate about the role of culture in the city’s identity and its economic importance. Many fear that the cuts will undermine Berlin’s reputation as a haven for artists and a center of creative innovation, potentially driving talent and investment away.
Lederer’s intervention adds significant weight to these concerns. As a former Culture Senator, he possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of the city’s cultural landscape and a strong track record of supporting the arts. His critique is likely to resonate with many in the cultural community and further fuel the debate about the future of culture in Berlin. The controversy is unlikely to subside as the 2025 budget approaches and the full impact of the cuts becomes apparent. The future of Berlin’s cultural institutions hangs in the balance, and Lederer’s words serve as a stark warning about the potential consequences of the current government’s policies. He has publicly called on the current government to rethink its approach and engage in a more constructive dialogue with the cultural sector to ensure that Berlin remains a vibrant and thriving center for the arts.
