Berlin news · 29 October 2026
Berlin's New House of Representatives Holds Its First Session
Nearly six weeks after the election, the Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus is convening its constitutive session on 29 October, with the election of a new parliamentary president and two vice-presidents as the key items on the agenda.
Berlin Police Deploy 1,500 Officers for Halloween as Gen-Z Protests Planned
Berlin police are deploying around 1,500 officers on 31 October to manage thirteen registered demonstrations driven by the "Gen Z" protest movement, with the largest rally expecting up to 10,000 participants at the Brandenburg Gate.
Man Critically Shot in Berlin-Lichtenrade, Homicide Unit Investigates
A 31-year-old man was shot and critically wounded on Nahariyastraße in Berlin-Lichtenrade on Tuesday evening; he underwent emergency surgery that night and a homicide commission has taken over the investigation into the unknown suspect.
Four Arrested After Shots Fired in Berlin-Spandau Road Confrontation
Four men aged 21 to 31 were arrested Tuesday evening in Berlin-Spandau after a BMW was forced off the road by two other cars, shots were fired indiscriminately, and the 29-year-old BMW driver was beaten and kicked before being taken to hospital.
Berlin's Left Party Struggles to Act on Emde Despite Repeated Declarations
For the second time in eleven days, Die Linke's Berlin faction leadership has declared it has no shared basis for cooperation with lawmaker Vanessa Emde — yet again without taking any concrete action.
Car-Free Berlin Initiative Plans New Referendum After First Signature Drive Falls Short
The 'Berlin autofrei' initiative is preparing a revised referendum proposal to restrict private car use within the S-Bahn ring by 80%, after its 2026 signature drive collected only 69,108 valid signatures against the 173,961 required.
Germany's First Autumn Frost Arrives in the South as Temperatures Plunge
Germany's weather service (DWD) warns that frost will hit the south of the country first on Thursday night, with daytime highs falling to just 7 to 13 degrees across Germany through Sunday.
Federal Minister Plans Law to Block Berlin Housing Socialisation, Critics Call It Unconstitutional
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has outlined plans for a new investment protection law that would require proof of compelling necessity and full market-value compensation before rental apartments can be socialised, drawing sharp criticism from Berlin's Left, Greens and SPD.
Jazzfest Berlin Joins Short Film Festival and Christmas Markets on Berlin's November Events Calendar
Berlin's November line-up includes Jazzfest Berlin alongside a Short Film Festival, Christmas Markets and further events across the German capital.
Gen Z Regelt: Youth Protest Movement Builds in Berlin for 31 October Rally at Brandenburg Gate
A social-media-driven movement called 'Gen Z regelt' has emerged in Berlin and more than 20 other German cities, with over 8,000 people registered for a Brandenburg Gate rally on 31 October against education cuts, social welfare cuts and mandatory military service.
Berlin's Left Faction Smaller Than Expected: Youngest MP Asya Senyüz Not Admitted
Die Linke's parliamentary faction in the new Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus turned out smaller than anticipated after Asya Senyüz, Berlin's youngest newly elected lawmaker, was not admitted to the group ahead of parliament's constitutive session.
Berlin's Anti-Gun-Crime Unit 'Ferrum' Set to Run Until Summer 2027
Berlin's specialist gun-crime unit BAO Ferrum, which has launched 708 investigations and seized 73 firearms since its founding in November 2025, is reportedly being extended until summer 2027 as the city continues to grapple with rising firearms offences.
CDU Invites SPD and Greens to Talks on Berlin's Current Situation — Left Party Left Out
Berlin CDU state party chairman Stefan Evers has invited the SPD and Greens to talks scheduled for 29 October to discuss the current political situation, as the three left-leaning parties pursue a red-green-red coalition — the Linke, the election winner, was not invited.
Berlin Election: What Happens Next as Government Talks Begin
Die Linke has emerged as the strongest party in the Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus election, with lead candidate Elif Eralp now at the centre of coalition talks. A Linke-Greens-SPD alliance is one possibility, though a CDU-Greens-SPD majority is also mathematically viable.