Berlin news · 12 November 2026
Berlin Left demands Vanessa Emde give up her Neukölln seat
The Berlin Left is calling on Vanessa Emde to withdraw from the Abgeordnetenhaus, but she refuses. A commentary argues the party is making things too easy for itself and asks what it knew before the election.
Berlin coalition talks: budget experts see little room for new spending
Budget politicians from the Left, Greens and SPD say Berlin's poor finances leave little room for new projects beyond what was agreed in exploratory talks. Other working groups must counter-finance any further wishes.
Heating outages reported in several Berlin districts, including Pankow
The Berliner Zeitung reports that tenants in Pankow, Steglitz-Zehlendorf and other districts describe broken heating and poor living conditions. Tenants say landlords and property managers rarely respond to their complaints.
Haus der Statistik redevelopment plan displayed again
Mitte district shows the development plan for the former GDR complex at Alexanderplatz a second time, including a new town hall and hundreds of apartments.
Emirates could fly from BER to Dubai from April 2027, but plan is on hold
Emirates president Sir Tim Clark says the airline could start a Dubai route from Berlin's BER airport on 1 April 2027 if all open points are clarified. The plan is on hold, and the federal government sees no ambiguity.
Left says Berlin rents could still rise after socialization
Left leader Ines Schwerdtner said on TV that rents could rise by up to 2 percent a year even after large landlords are socialized. She denied having promised rent cuts, while an earlier party statement cited a study on 16 percent cuts.
Berlin spent 883 million euros on refugee housing in 2024
Berliner Zeitung reports that Berlin spent about 2.4 million euros a day on housing refugees in 2024. A bed in a lightweight hall at Tegel is said to cost 4,700 euros a month.
From 2027 only Dahme-Spreewald taxis may pick up passengers at BER
The Dahme-Spreewald district has ended its agreement with Berlin, so Berlin taxis will no longer be able to wait at BER airport. Former Berlin taxi official Richard Leipold criticises the move and warns of long waiting times.
Berlin and area have over 1.2 million Deutschlandtickets
Growth at BVG has stalled, raising the question whether the potential is exhausted.
Man shot and injured in Schöneberg; suspects at large
A man needed emergency surgery after a nighttime shooting on Steinmetzstraße; police are searching for the perpetrators.
Berlin police have no evidence of child abductions in viral blue VW van warning
Berlin police say they have received no reports or tips about the alleged attempted child abductions described in a social media post about a blue VW van. They advise against sharing it, because it shows a license plate.
Fundraiser for Lisa's family raises 70,000 euros
A donation campaign for the family of the Marzahn girl drew a large response, though the organiser faced questions.
Berlin: Fines over social housing sold as condominiums may go unpaid
Fines were imposed over social housing in Neukölln that was marketed as condominiums. Insolvency proceedings against the building's owner company could mean they are never paid, according to the Tagesspiegel.
Bike lane vanishes at Prenzlauer Berg S-Bahn station
A busy cycle path near the station is gone, leaving cyclists mixing with pedestrians.