Berlin's cultural senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson resigned on Friday after the Berlin Court of Auditors ruled that millions in funding for antisemitism prevention projects were illegal. The resignation has sparked a political debate, with CDU general secretary Ottilie Klein defending governing mayor Kai Wegner against opposition criticism, while Franziska Stoff of the Berlin Culture Conference demands stability and a reversal of budget cuts. Thomas Fehrle, director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, expressed personal regret over Wedl-Wilson's departure, praising her competence and engagement.
The resignation matters because it threatens Berlin's cultural funding amid tight budgets and a looming state election. The Berlin Culture Conference warns that the turmoil endangers the entire cultural sector, calling for a quick successor who will fight for the arts. The affair also highlights ongoing tensions over antisemitism prevention funding and the political maneuvering ahead of the parliamentary election, with the future of Berlin's cultural administration hanging in the balance.