Local politics in Berlin is organized differently because Berlin is a city-state. At the state level, the Senate decides on matters that affect the entire city, such as the police, major roads and the underground railway system. At the lower level, the twelve districts are responsible for everyday matters directly affecting residents in their local communities. These include the construction and maintenance of schools, daycare centres and playgrounds, the upkeep of parks, the operation of libraries, and citizen service offices (for example, for identity cards).
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In Berlin, local politics is shaped by the interaction between the district assembly (BVV) and the district office, both of which are formed every five years as part of the Berlin elections. The BVV is elected directly by the residents of the district. All persons aged 16 and over who hold German or EU citizenship are eligible to vote. The BVV adopts motions and policy guidelines for the district, oversees the administration, and elects the second important body: the district office.
The district office manages the district administration and implements the decisions of the BVV. It consists of the district mayor and five district councillors, who are elected by the members of the newly elected BVV. They lead the various departments (for example, the school office, youth welfare office or public order office) and make day-to-day administrative decisions.
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The districts may not pass their own laws or levy their own taxes. Since Berlin is a unified municipality, the districts do not constitute separate legal entities. They are subordinate to the Berlin Senate (the state government). The Senate provides funding, oversees the work of the districts and, if necessary, can overturn their decisions.
In other German federal states, local politics is shaped by the district administrator (Landrat) and district council (Kreistag) in rural districts, or by the city council or municipal council in towns and municipalities. Unlike Berlin’s districts, these bodies are generally independent legal entities that can manage their own finances and make decisions independently.
