Berlin, April 28, 2026 – Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) has confirmed that he has not yet made a decision regarding the successor to the resigned Culture Senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson (non-party). Speaking after a Senate meeting, Wegner addressed a journalist’s question by stating, “I am holding discussions, good discussions at that.” He further promised, “And as soon as I have made a decision, I will announce it to you,” adding that “one or two more discussions” were still needed.
Resignation Follows Report on Unlawful Funding
Wedl-Wilson resigned on Friday, drawing consequences from a report by the State Audit Office. The report deemed the funding of 13 projects in the field of antisemitism prevention, totaling 2.6 million euros, as unlawful. This assessment led to her departure from the position.
Thomas Heilmann Among Potential Successors
Former Justice Senator and ex-Bundestag member Thomas Heilmann (CDU) is being considered as a potential successor to Wedl-Wilson. However, Wegner did not comment on this specific name during his statement.
Ongoing Search for a New Culture Senator
The search for a new Culture Senator is a critical matter for Berlin, particularly in light of the circumstances surrounding the previous senator’s resignation. The position plays a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of the German capital, overseeing a wide array of institutions and initiatives.
Impact of the State Audit Office Report
The State Audit Office’s report, which highlighted the unlawful funding of antisemitism prevention projects, has undoubtedly placed additional scrutiny on the process of selecting a new Culture Senator. Transparency and adherence to legal frameworks are expected to be key considerations in Wegner’s final decision.
The Road Ahead for Berlin’s Cultural Policy
As Berlin awaits the announcement of its new Culture Senator, the city’s cultural sector will be keenly observing the developments. The chosen individual will face the task of navigating various challenges, including ensuring proper oversight of funding, fostering a vibrant cultural scene, and addressing the ongoing needs of the city’s diverse artistic and cultural institutions.
The process of selecting a new senator underscores the importance of accountable governance in cultural administration and the commitment to upholding legal standards in public funding. Wegner’s ongoing discussions suggest a thorough approach to finding a suitable candidate who can effectively lead Berlin’s cultural affairs.
Source: https://berliner-abendblatt.de/berlin-news/wegner-noch-keine-entscheidung-ueber-neuen-kultursenator-id332231
