“Never again Germany” is located in large metal letters outdoors in the “About Blank” club in Berlin-Friedrichshain. The district invited to a press conference here. The 2025 property tax reform loaded the cultural institutions in the district, especially the clubs.
District Mayor Clara Herrmann (Greens) announced that the district must pay more than 300,000 euros as property owners by the reform. The tax on land has increased by 10 or 20 times. “If the state of Berlin does not enter here, we have to ask the tenant this money: inside,” says Herrmann.
This could be painful for the “About Blank” at Markgrafendamm 24, says owner Ariane Neitzel. “We are in a shock.” The economic situation is already difficult. “We could not exist without support from politics.”
Herrmann demands a basisborrekture that the Berlin Senate should enact the district or at least repay the district. “It is said that clubs and culture are important for Berlin, but then the finance senator should also show this and look for a solution with us.” Finance senator Stefan Evers (CDU) has so far rejected the tax. The district cannot compensate for the additional costs of its own tight household.
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“Clubs and culture should generally be freed,” says Herrmann. “But unfortunately these areas in our city just break.” Friedrichshain has a pioneering role in clubs. Because these would be supported in the district in order to be able to maintain them. If the city does not do anything, the clubs threaten a massive financial difficulty.
Andy Hehmke (SPD), District City Council for School, Sports and Facility Management adds: “Since the landing guidelines in our inner city district increase disproportionately, the property tax reform for the tenants means: inside of our property a massive additional load.” By the decision of the Senate, the district was forced to pass on these additional costs to the facilities. It could be that one or more clubs should close.
The club commission calls for a solution and further discussions with the Senate. The “About Blank” does not have a long -term rental agreement, the area counts as a lead area for the planned A100 city highway. Hehmke and Herrmann make it clear that the popular club also has a social function. At a rally of neo -Nazis, for example, the club organized a massive counter -protest.
“The ‘About Blank´ sets clear statements against racism and anti -Semitism, which is why it is important to get the club,” said Hehmke. “Continue Antifa” is on a banner above the entrance. The question is how long this is still possible at this location.