Changes in Berlin's State Parliament: Five Departures and Their Successors

Berlin's state parliament is undergoing significant changes following the recent federal election, with five members set to leave for the Bundestag. This transition opens the door for new representatives to step in from their respective party lists.

Among the departing members are Katalin Gennburg and Ferat Koçak from the Left Party, both of whom have successfully secured seats in the Bundestag after their first candidacies. Koçak garnered the highest number of first votes in Neukölln, while Gennburg, who contested in Marzahn-Hellersdorf, also secured her position through the Left Party's state list despite facing tough competition from an AfD candidate.

To fill the vacancies left by Gennburg and Koçak, Franziska Leschewitz and Michael Efler will join the Left Party's faction in the Abgeordnetenhaus. Both individuals have prior experience within the state parliament, ensuring a smooth transition.

Additionally, the CDU will see the exit of Adrian Grasse, a member since 2016 who has also won a seat in the Bundestag representing Steglitz-Zehlendorf. Marco Hahnfeld, the CDU's state manager for the Economic Council, is set to take over Grasse's position in the parliament.

Meanwhile, Ronald Gläser from the AfD is moving to the Bundestag, and Frank Scheermesser will replace him in the Abgeordnetenhaus. Scheermesser has previously served in the state parliament from 2016 to 2021 and has confirmed his readiness to accept the mandate once again.

The situation remains uncertain for the Greens, as Julia Schneider, the current deputy faction leader, is departing after winning a direct mandate in Pankow. Monika Herrmann, who previously served as the green district mayor of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, is in line to succeed Schneider, although she has yet to decide on her acceptance of the role. Herrmann has been involved in discussions regarding her potential return to the parliament, where she would join fellow transportation experts Antje Kapek and Oda Hassepaß.

In contrast, the Social Democrats (SPD) will not experience any changes, as no members from their faction are moving to the federal parliament.