Ex-Senator Geisel withdraws, Berlin SPD no longer holding a majority
In a notable shift in Berlin's political landscape, Andreas Geisel, a long-standing member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has stepped down from his role as Senator for Urban Development and Construction, effective as of 2023.
Geisel, who has been in politics for 31 years and served in various roles within the SPD, including as Berlin's Senator for Urban Development and Housing, has been vocal about his criticisms towards the Berlin SPD's policies, particularly regarding housing and rent policy, and the planned amendment to the neutrality law.
The affordability of housing and rent caps have been contentious topics in recent years, with Geisel likely expressing concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory approaches in Berlin. The proposed amendment to the neutrality law, which allows Muslim teachers to wear a headscarf in Berlin's schools, has also been a point of contention for Geisel, who advocates for a strict separation of religion and state.
The planned amendment to the neutrality law, which aims to ensure political party neutrality in public institutions, sometimes faces criticism for its implications on civil servants and political balance. A Berlin Green politician has even called for the repeal of the neutrality law.
In a recent development, the Berlin SPD has drafted a bill to expropriate Deutsche Wohnen and means of production from natural or legal persons who produce goods or offer services in Berlin. The goal of this bill is the socialization of land, natural resources, and means of production, a move that Geisel has also criticized.
Despite these criticisms, Geisel has not been part of the government since the repeat election in 2023 and has rejected a resignation after the 2021 state election. SPD MP Andreas Geisel has also announced that he will not run in the next election for the Berlin House of Representatives.
The exact reasons for Geisel's exit from the Berlin House of Representatives are not yet clear. However, political disagreements, shifts in party strategy, or personal decisions are often cited as possible reasons for such departures in political careers.
Recent local news sources, official SPD or Berlin government announcements, or direct interviews/statements from Geisel would provide precise and up-to-date information on these issues. The Berlin SPD leader, Raed Saleh, has recently defended himself regarding the lack of discussion on expropriations, while the exact date for the call to repeal the neutrality law was on 10th July 2025, and the Berlin SPD leader defended himself on 31st July 2025.
As Geisel steps down from his role, his criticisms towards the Berlin SPD's policies and his stance on key issues like housing, rent, and the neutrality law will undoubtedly continue to shape the political discourse in Berlin.
Economic and social policy disagreements between Andreas Geisel and the Berlin SPD, particularly regarding housing, rent, and the neutrality law, may have contributed to his decision to step down as Senator for Urban Development and Construction.
The shift in politics in Berlin, as evidenced by Geisel's resignation and the Berlin SPD's draft bill to expropriate Deutsche Wohnen and means of production, is expected to have significant implications for policy-and-legislation and general news in the city.
