Berlin is gearing up for a state election that polls suggest will be one of the closest in recent memory. With four parties running in tight formation and CDU and the Left Party competing for the leading position, the result is far from certain. For the hundreds of thousands of expats and immigrants who call Berlin home, the election matters: whoever governs the city-state shapes policies on housing, public transport, integration courses, and the way the Ausländerbehörde is resourced and run. Understanding the basics of how the election works — and why its outcome could change a lot — is worth your time.
Berlin is both a city and a German federal state (a Bundesland), which means it has its own parliament, the Abgeordnetenhaus, and its own governing Senate. Residents vote for their local parliament, which then determines who leads the city as Governing Mayor. The election follows Germany's proportional representation system, so coalition negotiations after the vote are common and the final shape of the government often takes weeks to settle.
As with all German state elections, only German citizens are eligible to vote. If you hold German citizenship alongside another nationality, or if you have recently completed your Einbürgerung, this election is one where your vote counts at the city level.
According to current polling, four parties are clustered closely together, making a clear majority for any single party unlikely. This means Berlin will almost certainly be governed by a coalition, and the precise combination of parties will determine the direction of city policy for the coming years.
For expats, the stakes are concrete. Housing policy — including rent controls, social housing construction, and tenant protections — is decided at state level in Berlin. Integration programs, funding for German language courses, and the staffing of the Ausländerbehörde are all within the Senate's budget authority. A shift in the governing coalition could accelerate or roll back initiatives in any of these areas.
The competition between CDU and the Left Party for the top position is particularly significant: the two parties hold notably different positions on rent regulation and social spending, areas that touch daily life for many newcomers.
If you are not a German citizen, you cannot vote in this election — but you are still directly affected by its outcome. Local governance decisions influence how quickly your Anmeldung appointment can be booked, how well-funded your Integrationskurs provider is, and how the city prioritises affordable housing.
Staying informed about the election result and the subsequent coalition talks is a practical step. Once a new Senate is formed, its coalition agreement will set out priorities for the legislative term — reading coverage of that document (in German or English) will give you an early signal of what to expect.
EU citizens who are registered residents of Berlin can vote in local (Bezirk) elections but not in the state parliament (Abgeordnetenhaus) election. Only German citizens may vote at the state level. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, check with your local Bürgeramt.
State elections do not directly change federal immigration law, which governs residence permits and visas. However, the new Senate can influence how the Ausländerbehörde is resourced and how integration services are delivered. For any questions specific to your Aufenthaltstitel, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or contact your Ausländerbehörde directly.
Results are counted after polling closes on election day. However, because a coalition is likely, formal government formation typically takes several weeks of negotiation after the initial results are announced.
The Berlin state election is shaping up to be genuinely unpredictable, and its outcome will set the policy direction for the city for years to come. Even if you cannot vote, following the results and the coalition negotiations that follow is worthwhile. Pay attention to announcements about housing policy, integration funding, and public service investment — these are the areas most likely to affect your day-to-day life as an expat or immigrant in Berlin.
Source: tagesschau
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