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Here’s your quick update on what’s happening around the city on Friday, January 16 - from urgent alerts to stories in the subreddit. Today we went through 203 sources so you don't have to.
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🏠 Berlin Faces Shortage of 56,000 Apartments
A new analysis by the Pestel Institute reveals a shortage of approximately 56,000 apartments in Berlin as of late 2024. Commissioned by the "Social Housing" alliance, the report indicates this deficit contributes to a nationwide record of 1.4 million missing homes. The demand is projected to rise significantly in coming years, exacerbating pressure on the capital's housing market. (WELT)
Researchers describe the situation as a "social drama" disproportionately affecting the young and elderly. Students now spend an average of 53% of their disposable income on rent, hampering education and training opportunities. Simultaneously, many pensioners and retiring baby boomers face "city expulsion" because their retirement income is insufficient to afford rising costs in metropolitan areas. (Tagesspiegel)
Experts warn that Berlin risks significant economic self-harm as exploding living costs deter essential workers from moving to the capital. This trajectory mirrors problems seen in Munich two decades ago, where housing shortages stifled growth. Without a drastic increase in affordable construction, the city may become too expensive for the very labor force it relies upon. (tagesschau.de)
☕ Charity Banned Over Corruption Fears
Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner has banned the "Coffee Bet," a charity initiative where districts collect coffee for the homeless to trigger retail donations. Citing concerns over potential corruption and bribery, Wegner stopped the 11-district campaign. Neukölln Mayor Martin Hikel criticized the move, arguing it hurts the city’s most vulnerable residents during winter.(rbb24)
The conflict escalated after Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg raised corruption concerns, leading the Senate to deny necessary permits. Consequently, participating retailers withdrew their financial pledges to avoid reputational damage and online harassment. Despite the ban on the betting element, local officials and homeless shelters emphasize that the need for coffee remains urgent as winter temperatures drop.(Tagesspiegel)
Campaign founder Michael Lind expressed devastation, denying claims that the initiative served as personal advertising. While the Senate suggested districts could still collect coffee without business involvement, the formal "bet" structure is dead. Stunned by the accusations, Lind is considering returning city honors, while several districts vow to continue collecting donations independently.(Berliner Morgenpost)
🐻 Mayor Defends Blackout Crisis Management
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner has faced criticism after it was reported that he played tennis with Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch during a major power outage affecting 100,000 residents. Public scrutiny intensified because Wegner initially stated he was working from home during the crisis. Critics have questioned the Mayor’s transparency and his decision-making during the emergency.(Berliner Kurier)
Mayor Wegner described the infrastructure attack as a “terrorist turning point,” vowing to transform Berlin into a model city for crisis resilience. His proposed plan includes redistributing billions in funds for increased surveillance and infrastructure security. While admitting he should have disclosed his sport break sooner, Wegner insisted his focus remained on restoring power for the city. (Tagesspiegel)
Recent polls show 66% of residents rate the Senate's crisis management poorly, with 61% believing Wegner’s credibility is permanently damaged. Beyond the political fallout, 60% of Berliners admitted they are "not at all" or "poorly" prepared for similar infrastructure emergencies. This data underscores a widening gap between official security rhetoric and the actual readiness of the city's public. (rbb24)
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⚡ Quick Hits
🇬🇧 Students and recent graduates invited to 'curated hiring event' in Berlin | MATCHUP brings people in business, tech, and AI together with fast-growing startups in Berlin on February 10. Founders will pitch open internship roles. Applicants must apply by January 22.
🇬🇧 Why 4,000 tonnes of free potatoes are on their way to Berlin | Ecosia is funding trucks to deliver 4,000 tonnes of surplus potatoes to Berlin pick-up sites from Jan. 16. Over 1,000 groups signed up. Note: there were 10.8M tonnes of food waste in 2022 in Germany.
🇩🇪 Another strike – trains canceled | The EVG strike hit key regional lines in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern during rush hour, with disruptions until 9.30 a.m. Berlin’s public sector strike continues, affecting offices, some Kitas, and universities.
🇩🇪 AWS launches European Sovereign Cloud in Germany | The new EU-only AWS setup targets highly regulated users that need strict data control. AWS will invest over €7.8B in Germany, claiming €17.2B in impact and 2,800 annual jobs.
🇩🇪 Emotional debate on universal basic income in the Bundestag | The Bundestag debated welfare cuts and military buildup. Other updates include migration ambassadors, inheritance tax, military service objections, and AfD criticism of Trump.
📅 Events Today
🎟️ International Green Week Berlin | January 16 - 25, 2026 | €18, reduced €11 | Thousands of global food and farming producers showcase products and flavors.
🎟️ Being and Becoming: Photography Exhibition | January 16 | 14:00 - 17:00 | Free | Explore the transformative forces shaping human existence through the lens of emerging talent.
🎟️ Tomorrow: Ice Disco: Jan Oberlaender | January 17 | 18:00 - 22:00 | 6.00 € - 9.00 € | Swap your sneakers for skates at this energetic open-air dance party.
Hosting a workshop or meetup? Click here to feature your event.
💬 What Berliners Are Talking About
🗣️ Berlin has a bikes on the FOOT path problem | Berlin pedestrians alarmed as delivery bikes and poor infrastructure crowd sidewalks.
🗣️ Where's the good Chicken at? (Not Risa) | After Risa disappointment, locals recommend Kokio, City Chicken, Nhas, Chibee, Guten Dag.
🗣️ How lonely are you? | Berliners trade tips on combating loneliness through slow, local, meaningful connections.
🎭 Fun Fact: Berlin boasts 150+ theaters and stages, which sold around 3 million tickets in 2023 – from the massive Friedrichstadt-Palast revue to intimate indie playhouses.
👋 That's a wrap! Thank you for reading.
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