Berlin news · 4 November 2026
Zelenskyy in Berlin: Security Conference Triggers Massive Police Operation and Transport Disruption
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to Berlin for the Berlin Security Conference, meeting Chancellor Merz while around 3,400 officers from across Germany were deployed and large parts of the city's transport network were disrupted.
Berlin Coalition Talks Continue as Left, Greens and SPD Meet Again
Die Linke, the Greens and the SPD held the second session of their "roof group" on Wednesday, pressing ahead with coalition negotiations aimed at forming a new Berlin government.
Police Fire at Fleeing Car on Ku'damm Crossing in Wild Chase Through Charlottenburg
A plain-clothes patrol tried to stop a car on Uhlandstraße in Charlottenburg; the driver sped over pavements, made several attempts to ram officers, and was finally stopped only after a police officer shot out a tyre. Both occupants, wanted on outstanding sentences and carrying forged documents, were arrested.
Berlin Domestic Violence Deaths Hit Record High: 24 Killed in 2025
Twenty-four people died as a result of domestic violence in Berlin in 2025 — the highest figure ever recorded — rising sharply from 17 deaths the previous year, according to the city's police criminal statistics report shared with Berliner Zeitung on request.
Charité Doctors Declare Strike Readiness in Pay Dispute
Doctors at Berlin's Charité university hospital have signalled overwhelming readiness to strike, as the Marburger Bund physicians' union seeks an 8 percent pay rise while negotiations with management continue over its current offer of 3.7 percent.
Schaeffler to Close Both Berlin R&D Centres, Cutting 270 Jobs
Automotive supplier Schaeffler announced it will shut its two Berlin research and development facilities in Moabit and Spandau, eliminating around 270 direct jobs specialising in electric-drive systems, as part of a wider European restructuring affecting 3,460 positions.
1,600 SPD Members Sign Open Letter Against Left-Party Coalition in Berlin
More than 1,600 SPD members, including Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, former party chief Sigmar Gabriel, and former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, signed an open letter urging the Berlin SPD to reject a coalition with Die Linke and the Greens.
IG Metall Warning Strikes Halt Berlin Metal Plants
Warning strikes called by IG Metall brought production to a standstill at several major Berlin metal plants on Monday, including Mercedes-Benz in Marienfelde, Rheinmetall in Wedding, and Siemens Global Energy, as the union demands a 5 percent pay rise against an employer offer of just 1.3 percent.
Berlin Drops €50 Cash Limit on Asylum Seekers' Payment Card After Just Two Months
Berlin's Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe suspended the €50 monthly cash-withdrawal cap on the new SocialCard for asylum seekers, calling it discriminatory under the city's anti-discrimination law, only two months after the card was introduced in August.
Four Robberies in 35 Minutes in Charlottenburg — Suspect Arrested at Scene
A masked 25-year-old committed four robbery attempts within about 35 minutes on Monday evening in Charlottenburg, succeeding in stealing cash twice before police arrested him following the final incident.
Berlin and Brandenburg Could Face Different Fuel Price Caps Under Federal Draft Law
Draft legislation from Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) would allow German states to set their own maximum fuel prices, meaning Berlin and neighbouring Brandenburg could end up with different caps at the pump.
Chancellor Merz Blasts Berlin's Airport Policy: 'No Capital Is Treated This Badly'
Speaking at the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply criticised the closure of Tempelhof and Tegel airports, leaving the capital with just two runways at BER, calling it a mistake no other country would have made for its capital.
Rapper Sido's Friedrichshain Späti to Close as Rent Rises 50%
Berlin rapper Sido announced that his Friedrichshain convenience store "Svenni's Nachtshop", which he co-owns near Ostkreuz, will close next month after monthly rent rose from €4,000 to €6,000 — more than the shop earns from sales.
Fourteen Berlin Municipal Companies Launch Campaign for More Respect Towards Workers
Fourteen Berlin municipal enterprises — including Vivantes, the BSR and several housing associations — have initiated the poster campaign "Mehr Respekt. Mehr Wert für Berlin" in response to growing cases of disrespectful behaviour and violence against staff working in public spaces.
Drizzly Wednesday Gives Way to Sunshine and Frosty Nights in Berlin and Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) expects Berlin and Brandenburg to start Wednesday with drizzle and heavy cloud before afternoon sun arrives, with overnight frosts and fog forecast through the end of the week.