Berlin speeds up anti-Semitism funding after damning audit report
Berlin (dpa/bb) — The city's cultural administration is pushing ahead with the allocation of funding for anti-Semitism prevention projects despite the resignation of Culture Senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson, State Secretary for Culture Cerstin Richter-Kotowski (CDU) assured lawmakers during the latest meeting of the Culture Committee. "In light of the audit office's report, our top priority is to ensure that funding for projects combating anti-Semitism is disbursed promptly and in full compliance with the law," she said.
Richter-Kotowski explained that an internal working group had already been established under Wedl-Wilson to improve procedural and legal safeguards. "We set up this working group within the administration to optimize structures and ensure they are both procedurally sound and legally secure," the state secretary said. The group, now under her leadership, is translating the audit office's recommendations into concrete directives for the department.
A key focus is streamlining application and approval processes for staff. "Many things here urgently need improvement—there are far too many bureaucratic hurdles," Richter-Kotowski said. "You could call this a mini administrative reform." The goal, she emphasized, is to make workflows more effective and efficient.
Gratitude also extended to the dismissed state secretary
Wedl-Wilson's departure has not hindered progress, Richter-Kotowski noted, invoking an old adage: "Political leaders come and go, but the administration endures—and that's a good thing, especially in times like these." She stressed that cultural administration employees continue their daily work with full dedication.
The state secretary also publicly thanked Wedl-Wilson for her contributions to Berlin's cultural sector. "I would also like to take this opportunity in the committee to express my sincere gratitude to Oliver Friederici for his commitment since April 2023," she said. "With a strong sense of duty and personal dedication, he has strengthened cohesion in our city." Friederici, who served as state secretary for social cohesion, was dismissed by the Senate on Tuesday.
The audit office had previously accused the cultural administration of serious legal violations and negligence in its handling of funding for anti-Semitism prevention initiatives. Its final report was published on Thursday, though a draft had already been shared with the administration.
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