Berlin residents (including EU nationals) went to the polls yesterday, with a striking difference: German nationals were given three ballot papers, while EU nationals were given only one. According to Council Directive 94/80/EC of 19 December 1994, "EU citizens may vote or stand as candidates in municipal elections in any EU country in which they live".
In Berlin, this means that EU nationals can only vote in the most local of local elections: the "Bezirksverordnetenversammlung" (one of those lovely never-ending German words) or in simpler words the borough assembly elections.
EU nationals living in Berlin are not eligible to vote in the elections that really matter: the "Abgeordnetenhaus" (the Berlin parliament so to speak).
As someone who has lived in Berlin for many years and is not planning to move any time soon, I am extremely interested in the election results, as they will have an impact on my life and on my family's life. Unfortunately, I would have preferred an active role, rather than that of spectator or accompanier. While I could only vote in the borough (or district) elections, my husband and practically every one else around me could also vote in the Berlin parliament elections.
Why? This is my city as much as theirs.
Considering that Berlin is an international city, you would think that everyone's vote would count, not just the votes of German nationals. This city wouldn't be the same without the contributions of the thousands of non-German nationals that live here. Just thinking in terms of food, there wouldn't be much else on the menu except for Currywurst, Bulette (meatballs) or Eisbein (pork knuckle) if it wasn't for the expats.
In terms of the actual results, what is particularly interesting about the Berlin elections is the geography, which can be summarised as: West Berlin has voted CDU (centre right), central Berlin has voted SPD (centre left) and Grüne (green party), East Berlin has voted Linke (left) and far East Berlin has voted the right-wing, anti-immigration, populist party AfD (Alternative für Deutschland), a sort of UKIP.
As everywhere else in Europe, the traditional parties, in this case the SPD and CDU, have lost ground, while the populist parties are gaining voters. The Pirates, meanwhile, have disappeared from the radar.
The rise of the AfD is extremely worrying. If this party can win 14% in Berlin, what will happen in the rest of the country?
Here's some food for thought: if all Berlin residents (non just the ones with a German passport) had been allowed a vote, perhaps the AfD might not have won so many seats in the Berlin parliament.
