Federal states: State merger with Berlin? As Woidke decided 30 years ago

A merger between the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg failed at the time due to the rejection of the citizens in Brandenburg. The then Prime Minister of Brandenburg, Manfred Stolpe (SPD), spoke of a “heap of broken glass”. In Berlin, the majority decided in favor of a merger, but the consent of both federal states was necessary.

Woidke told the newspaper: “Back then we perhaps underestimated the power that exists in our state of Brandenburg.” It has found its own identity. “In 1996 – seven years after the fall of communism – people identified with their country in a way that had never been imagined before. They were proud of their eagle and their unofficial anthem,” said the Prime Minister. He has ruled Brandenburg since 2013.

A new attempt at a merger would now have even fewer chances, said Woidke. “We have now developed a great deal of self-confidence,” said Woidke, referring to the development of universities and the economy. Both countries coordinate and cooperate in many policy areas.