The renovation backlog in Berlin affects not only schools but also universities, hospitals, and fire stations. The closure of the main building at the Technical University of Berlin is cited by opposition parties as an example of failed austerity policies. Tobias Schulze, leader of the Left faction, criticized the repeated closures of schools, such as the Anna Lindh School in Mitte, as well as sports facilities and swimming pools.
"Bridges were closed overnight and had to be demolished. There is also a massive renovation backlog in hospitals," Schulze explained to the German Press Agency. Another example is the psychiatry department at Hedwigshöhe Hospital, which is facing closure due to structural instability. "We are currently experiencing the consequences of insufficient investments in the maintenance of public infrastructure over the past decades," said the Left politician.
The Left has proposed an investment agency to coordinate various tasks, as well as an emergency fund for urgent cases. André Schulze, budget expert of the Green faction, agrees that the renovation backlog in Berlin is due to decades of missed investments. He emphasizes that there is still significant renovation need for administrative buildings, universities, fire stations, bridges, and youth clubs.
"Addressing the renovation backlog will also be an important task for the next government," Schulze stated. The next state parliament election in Berlin is scheduled for September 20, which could further fuel the discussion about necessary investments.
