Municipal, brief & concise: Procurement law, heat plan, speaking time and more

Berlin’s city council met this week to discuss key issues, from budget plans to school facilities. The session included debates on spending, sports infrastructure, and changes to speaking rules. Several decisions were delayed, while others moved forward with clear timelines.

The meeting opened with budget speeches from Mayor Marcel Kreutz and Treasurer Thore Eggert. Their draft budget will now go to factions and committees for review before a final vote in March. Meanwhile, the CDU pushed to postpone feasibility studies for the city’s heat transition plan, arguing for more preparation time.

New speaking rules were approved, tying council debate time to faction size. Larger groups now get six minutes per agenda item, while individual members are limited to three. The Left Party had proposed extending consultation periods, but this suggestion was not adopted. On education, the council confirmed the closure of the autism competence centre, with only the Left Party opposing and Volt/FWG abstaining. Residents also complained about lax enforcement of the smoking ban at Heidkamp’s vocational schools. The principal of Nelson Mandela Comprehensive School announced plans to abandon a temporary air-supported dome, citing practical concerns. The administration provided updates on infrastructure projects. The interim sports hall at IGP remains on track for completion in spring. However, a decision on the old municipal buildings was deferred after the Urban Planning Committee requested more time. Officials also asked for a transition period to draft new procurement rules by the next session.

The council session saw progress on some fronts but delays on others. The budget now enters a review phase, while decisions on heat planning and municipal buildings await further discussion. Changes to speaking rules and school facilities will take effect in the coming months.