Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) is facing renewed scrutiny over his crisis management following a multi-day power outage in January, this time concerning the extent of his workload during the event.
The CDU politician previously acknowledged playing tennis on the first day of the crisis, and now questions have arisen regarding the accuracy of his statements about his work commitments before the tennis match. Wegner dismissed a report in the “Tagesspiegel” as lacking any basis, stating on Tuesday that he would consider legal action.
“All Day on the Phone”
According to the “Tagesspiegel“, information obtained from the Senate Chancellery regarding Wegner’s phone and SMS contacts on the morning of January 3rd indicates he was in contact with Senate members and the crisis team before playing tennis, but not with the federal government or Stromnetz Berlin. This is relevant due to the fact that Wegner’s statements in an interview with “Welt TV” on January 7th gave a different impression.
In that interview, Wegner stated he began making phone calls shortly after 8:00 AM on the first day of the power outage. “I spoke with crisis teams, with Stromnetz. I also spoke with the federal government, with the Federal Chancellery, with the Federal Minister of the Interior,” Wegner said, adding, “Then I played tennis from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM because I just wanted to clear my head.”
Wegner had previously conceded to playing tennis after inquiries from rbb, after initially stating he had been “on the phone all day” and “locked in my home office.”
Senate Chancellery and Federal Government Provide No Precise Timings
The Senate Chancellery stated to the dpa news agency that Wegner did not provide specific timings in the “Welt TV” interview. A spokesperson for the Federal Government confirmed to dpa that Wegner had several conversations with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Minister Thorsten Frei (both CDU) on January 3rd regarding potential support from federal authorities to address the consequences of the power outage in southwestern Berlin. However, the spokesperson did not provide specific times for these calls.
“Everything Has Been Said”
During a press conference following the recent Senate meeting, the Governing Mayor repeatedly declined to provide a detailed account of January 3rd, stating, “Everything has been said.” He added, “I was in contact with various parties that day and then did an hour of sports.” Wegner did not elaborate on his claim that the “Tagesspiegel’s” interpretation lacked any basis, even when repeatedly asked. The Senate Chancellery declined a request from rbb to review the information sent to the “Tagesspiegel.”
Criticism from Opposition and Coalition Partners
The opposition in the Berlin House of Representatives reacted with sharp criticism to the Governing Mayor’s appearance. AfD faction leader Kristin Brinker referred to Wegner as the “lying baron of Berlin.” Green party leader Werner Graf said, “There are serious doubts as to whether the Governing Mayor told the truth.” Left party faction leader Tobias Schulze stated that if Wegner had not been sufficiently involved in addressing the power outage, an explanation was needed. The opposition unanimously called for clarification.
Steffen Krach, the leading candidate for Wegner’s coalition partner SPD, also has questions. “I expect Kai Wegner to tell the truth,” Krach said, adding that he felt Wegner was only doing so “in little doses.” The Berlin FDP indirectly called for Wegner’s resignation, stating, “Berlin needs leadership that takes responsibility. Kai Wegner should consider whether he can still meet that responsibility.”
Broadcast: rbb24 Inforadio, 17.03.2026, 4:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kai Wegner accused of?
Kai Wegner is accused of making false statements regarding his workload during the crisis management of the power outage in Steglitz-Zehlendorf in January.
What did the “Tagesspiegel” report?
The “Tagesspiegel” reported that Wegner was in contact with Senate members and his crisis team before playing tennis, but not with the federal government or Stromnetz Berlin.
What was Wegner’s response to the criticism?
Wegner dismissed the “Tagesspiegel’s” interpretation as lacking any basis and stated he would consider legal action. He repeatedly stated, “Everything has been said” when asked for further details.
As this situation unfolds, what level of transparency do you believe is necessary from elected officials during a crisis?
