Overview

• Joe Chialo officially resigned as Berlin’s Culture Senator, citing further 2025 budget cuts that jeopardize renowned cultural institutions.
• The Berlin culture sector faces a €130 million reduction in 2025, amounting to 12% of its budget, as part of a broader €3 billion citywide austerity plan.
• Chialo had previously supported initial cuts but stated the newer reductions are too severe to sustain key cultural goals.
• The resignation follows Chialo being overlooked for the federal culture minister role, which went to media entrepreneur Wolfram Weimer.
• Calls are growing for Governing Mayor Kai Wegner to assume direct oversight of culture policy to stabilize the leadership vacuum.