© dpa
New citizens' office: Hundreds of additional appointments available
There is a third citizens' office in the Berlin district of Spandau. The facility was officially opened in the presence of the Governing Mayor Kai Wegner. more
In view of Sunday's state election results, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner has emphasised that he believes Berlin is an international city - and not a place for hatred, agitation and exclusion.
"Berlin is the city of freedom, Berlin is the city of diversity, Berlin is the city of democracy, of respect," said Wegner (CDU) at the Senate's courtyard party. "We don't need division. We need cohesion - and I say that especially after last Sunday."
Berlin is the only international metropolis in Germany - Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg cannot compete with it. "Internationality is our strength and we need to emphasise this much more," said Wegner. However, there is no room for international conflicts on the streets of Berlin. It was the CDU politician's second Hoffest as head of the black-red Senate. Around 4000 guests were registered. In addition to the senators and former office holders, other celebrities were expected - including Federal Labour Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD), Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt (Greens), entertainer Frank Zander and his son Marcus, actress Fritzi Haberlandt, rapper Romano and Florian Unruh, silver medallist in archery at the 2024 Olympics.
Wegner gave a special welcome to Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer (102). "Margot Friedländer has written something in the family book for all of us and we should all live by it: Let's just be human," said the governor about the honorary citizen of Berlin. The Hoffeste take place every year; according to Wegner, this year was the 22nd edition. They are one of the regular social highlights in Berlin and are seen as an opportunity to get to know each other and exchange ideas. Numerous companies, associations and initiatives also take part in various forms.