Party funding proposed by AfD for New Year's Eve celebration - Maintaining grants for New Year's parties proposed by AfD
Brandenburg Gate New Year's Eve Party Cancelled Due to Lack of State Funding
The much-anticipated New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin for 2025 has been cancelled due to the Berlin Senate and city government withdrawing financial subsidies for the event amid budget constraints. The previous organizer, Berlin feiert Silvester GmbH, announced the cancellation because no confirmed public funding was secured.
Historically, the event received several hundred thousand euros in funding from tourism agencies like Visit Berlin and Berlin Partner. However, this year, the Berlin Senate decided to stop subsidies for the event, with the city's governing mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), citing the financial responsibility issue.
The cancellation of the event, which significantly contributes to promoting Berlin regionally and internationally as a travel destination, is expected to negatively affect tourism during the New Year's period. Thousands of participants and millions of television viewers worldwide would usually flock to the event, making it a key attraction at Brandenburg Gate. Alternative concepts are reportedly under discussion by the Berlin Senate, but no confirmed replacement event has been announced yet.
The cancellation has been a topic of criticism by the Berlin AfD faction leader, Kristin Brinker. She stated that such expenses are an investment in tourism and that the Senate's approach is "short-sighted" in endangering the continuation of the New Year's Eve party. In contrast, Mayor Wegner argued that funding such large events should not be the responsibility of taxpayers, especially during financial cutbacks.
In the past, the New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate was broadcast by ZDF, attracting a wide audience. The event annually promotes Berlin as a destination for city tourists. The cancellation of state subsidies for the event reflects broader budget cuts in both Berlin and Brandenburg states.
Despite the controversy, it is clear that the cancellation of the New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate will have a significant impact on the tourism industry in Berlin. The event has long been a highlight of the city's New Year celebrations, and its absence will be felt by many. It remains to be seen whether an alternative event can be found to fill the void left by the cancellation.
[1] Berlin's New Year's Eve Party at Brandenburg Gate Cancelled
[2] Berlin New Year's Eve Party Cancelled Due to Lack of Funding
[4] Berlin's New Year's Eve Party at Brandenburg Gate Cancelled Due to Lack of State Funding
[1] The cancellation of the New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate, traditionally broadcast by ZDF, is expected to greatly affect the tourism industry in Berlin.
[2] The absence of the New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate, historically promoted as a destination for city tourists, could have a significant impact on regional and international perceptions of Berlin.
