Berlin's SPD bets on economic revival with bold housing and growth plans
Steffen Krach, the SPD's lead candidate for Berlin's state election, has unveiled the party's manifesto with a strong focus on economic growth. The plan includes business-friendly policies and a pledge to build 20,000 new homes each year—half of them funded by private investors. Yet, with the SPD polling at just 14%, the party faces an uphill battle to regain support.
Krach's campaign slogan, 'It's the economy, stupid,' borrows from Bill Clinton's 1992 US presidential race. The message underscores his belief that Berlin's revival depends on economic success. He also wants to restore the city's bold, creative spirit, calling it a top priority for the SPD's agenda.
The manifesto avoids mentioning expropriation, a key demand of the Left Party. This omission leaves open the possibility of a coalition between the two. On housing, Krach plans to cap rents and limit landlord profits, promising a 'genuine rent freeze' if elected.
His approach to Tempelhofer Feld differs from Urban Development Senator Christian Gaebler's. Krach opposes building on the park's edges until other Berlin plots are fully used. Instead, he suggests minor design changes, such as adding more shade for older visitors.
Education is another focus. The SPD proposes a full ban on smartphones in primary schools, covering classrooms, playgrounds, and break times. Meanwhile, Krach acknowledges that the previous red-black coalition failed to meet its housing targets—a shortfall he aims to correct by leveraging private investment.
The SPD's manifesto sets clear goals: economic growth, stricter rent controls, and a ban on primary school smartphones. With current polling at 14%, the party's ability to turn these plans into reality will depend on voter response. The next election will determine whether Krach's vision gains traction in Berlin.
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