Senate discusses May Day protests and Ukrainian refugees

At its meeting on Tuesday (April 26, 2022), the Berlin Senate will discuss the preparations of the Senate Department for the Interior and the police for the expected protests on May 1.

Left-wing and radical-left groups are said to be planning a "revolutionary May Day demonstration". Berlin's Senator for the Interior, Iris Spranger (SPD), wants to present what the Berlin police is expecting with regard to the protests. According to a spokesman, the police will also keep a very close eye on possible anti-Semitic posters or slogans from the left-wing group "Migrantifa" after the anti-Israeli protests by Palestinian groups and young people of Arab origin over the weekend. Last year, anti-Semitic incidents had been observed in the protests of young migrants.

Discussion about arrival and accommodation of Ukrainian refugees

The Senate will also discuss the current situation regarding the arrival and accommodation of Ukrainian war refugees in Berlin. Senator for Social Affairs Katja Kipping (Left Party) will present a report on the latest data and inform the Senate about further plans for the registration of refugees at the arrival center in Tegel. Senator for Education Astrid-Sabine Busse (SPD) will give the members of the Senate an overview of Ukrainian children and young people at Berlin schools.

Resolutions on Coronavirus isolation and higher education bill

A Senate resolution to shorten the isolation period after a Corona infection is also planned for today's meeting. Those who have had no symptoms for at least 48 hours will in future be able to leave isolation after five days, is the proposal from the health administration. In addition, the revised amendment to the controversial Berlin Higher Education Act is to be passed, in which, among other things, a transition period is now agreed. A paragraph on the indefinite employment of junior scientists was much criticized. Directly after the Senate meeting, the Senate Commission on Housing will meet for the first time.