Time for a Change: Cooperation is Key in Berlin's Administrative Overhaul
- *
Cooperation by Administration Needs Significant Change: Jarasch - Unity in Administration: A Call for Transformation in Jarasch's Leadership Strategy
Green political leader Bettina Jarasch is hoping the upcoming administrative reform will mark a new era for Berlin, where the administration works together in a completely different way. She expressed this during an interview with RBB InfoRadio, stating, "The goal, the essence of this whole reform, is to stop passing the buck between the state and districts." In the future, there should be shared responsibility in certain areas, which would be unusual for Berlin.
The Berlin House of Representatives is set to vote on the administrative reform proposed by the black-red Senate. The reform is one of the government coalition's most significant projects and is expected to receive majority support at the plenary session on Thursday (starting at 10:00 am). Even opposition parties, the Greens and The Left, have indicated their approval.
"Districts should focus on what's on their turf"
Upon the reform's expected approval, Jarasch stresses the need for progress in digitization. She also anticipates clearer boundaries for responsibilities. "The Senate should handle taxes and city-wide responsibilities, set uniform frameworks. The districts should focus on what's on their turf," said the opposition politician during the discussion about fencing Görlitzer Park.
"Görlitzer Park is a park within a district, and in the future, the district should be responsible for it. And that means in turn - then the Senate should stay out, even if it wants a fence."
- Bettina Jarasch
- Administrative Reform
- Berlin
_Insights:__Berlin's Proposed Administrative Reform**
The administrative reform seeks to clarify the division of responsibilities between the state (Senate) and the city's districts by specifying tasks through a catalog. This is intended to reduce overlap, confusion, and inefficiency in the administration of Berlin. The reform aims to end the practice of "authority ping-pong" and establish early cooperation with districts on projects affecting them. In the long term, the reform aims to create a more functional city administration, setting the stage for future governance for generations.
Moving Forward:
While the reform focuses on clarifying responsibilities and improving cooperation between the state and districts, the broader context includes digital transformation and modernization of public administration. Substantial progress in digitization is anticipated, with the reform laying the groundwork for future improvements.
Summary:
The administrative reform establishes clear lines of responsibility between the State (Senate) and districts, ensuring joint responsibility and cooperation through early consultation on projects affecting districts. The reform aims to end the practice of "authority ping-pong" and set the stage for efficient and functional city administration, with digitization playing a key role in the modernization and improvement process.
- "The upcoming administrative reform in Berlin, as proposed by the black-red Senate, includes a policy focus on clarifying community responsibilities through a catalog, aiming to reduce overlap and improve cooperation between the Senate and districts."
- "In the context of the administrative reform, vocational training could potentially be a shared responsibility between the Senate and districts, brands of which might be included in the envisioned digital transformation and modernization of public administration in Berlin."
