Berlin's parliament debates digital violence, training levy and Wegner's crisis response
Berlin's state parliament is set for a busy session this week. Lawmakers will tackle digital sexual violence, a controversial training levy, and questions for governing mayor Kai Wegner. The debates come as the CDU politician also hosts the Eastern Minister-Presidents' Conference in the capital.
One key issue on the agenda is a Green Party motion urging Berlin to join a federal initiative against image-based sexual abuse. The proposal follows a broader push by the Bundesrat, which adopted a similar call in March 2026 after Niedersachsen led the charge.
The Greens have submitted a motion titled 'Not Every Man, But Always a Man: Protecting Women from Digital Violence'. It demands Berlin align with a nationwide effort to close legal gaps in cases of sexually motivated image abuse. While the Bundesrat backed the initiative in March, no specific measures from individual states have yet been detailed.
Alongside this, the parliament will vote on a contentious training levy. The proposed bill aims to fund more apprenticeship positions, but its details have sparked debate. Wegner's attendance at the question period adds further tension, as lawmakers are expected to challenge him over his handling of January's multi-day power outage. Critics have questioned his crisis management and public statements at the time. The session coincides with the Eastern Minister-Presidents' Conference, which Wegner is hosting. The overlap means he will face both regional leaders and local scrutiny in the same week.
The state parliament's decisions will determine whether Berlin joins the federal push against digital sexual violence. The outcome of the training levy vote will also shape future apprenticeship funding. Meanwhile, Wegner's appearance before lawmakers will test his response to ongoing criticism over the power crisis.
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