Green Party's Top Candidate Graf Accuses Wegner of Lack of Planning - Berlin's Greens slam mayor's leadership ahead of pivotal September election

Berlin's Green Party has sharply criticised Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, accusing him of weak leadership and broken promises. With the September election approaching, the party is pushing for major changes in climate change policy, housing, and transport.

Their election platform, due for approval this Sunday, outlines a clear shift away from Wegner's current approach.

The Greens' lead candidate, Werner Graf, claims Wegner's administration lacks vision. He argues that the mayor fails to grasp Berlin's governance needs and runs the city below its potential. Graf also dismisses Wegner's policies as inconsistent, pointing to a pattern of unfulfilled pledges.

One key contradiction highlighted is Wegner's climate commitments alongside new fossil-fuelled heating plants. While his Klimapakt 2025-2030 pushes solar expansion on public buildings and aims for 40% renewable district heating by 2030 (rising to 80% by 2040), critics say these plans lack substance. The pact also promotes biomass, hydrogen, and heat pumps, but no concrete traffic infrastructure changes have been announced.

On February 16, 2026, Wegner launched the Berliner Klimaschutzpartner des Jahres 2026 competition, yet the Greens remain sceptical. Their own platform instead prioritises stricter climate change protections, affordable housing, and a fossil-free transport system.

The party insists Wegner's leadership has left Berlin without a coherent strategy for the future.

The Greens' election platform will be finalised this weekend. If successful in September, they plan to overhaul Berlin's climate change, housing, and transport policies. Their focus remains on moving beyond what they call Wegner's empty promises and fragmented governance.