Monday, May 5
Culture minister Joe Chialo resigns amid controversy
He won’t be remembered fondly. Berlin’s Culture Minister Joe Chialo stepped down on Friday, following a controversial tenure marked by severe cuts of €130 million to the city’s cultural budget and the introduction of a contentious “anti-discrimination clause” for cultural funding applicants. Quickly dubbed the “antisemitism clause”, it was widely criticised for effectively seeking to ban criticism of Israel by recipients of public funds. The clause was soon withdrawn amid legal concerns.
Chialo had reportedly been considered for a federal post as Culture Minister representing the CDU, given his stance in Germany’s culture wars. However, when the role instead went to Wolfram Weimer — former editor-in-chief of Die Welt and founder of Cicero magazine — under incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Chialo appears to have rediscovered the principles he had set aside to earn the job, and announced his resignation.
In his statement, Chialo wrote: “Last year, I supported the requested cuts in the cultural budget with a heavy heart – aware of our shared responsibility for the city. However, the further cuts now planned interfere too deeply and… lead to the imminent closure of nationally renowned cultural institutions.”
So who will replace Chialo? Surprisingly, one emerging possibility is Berlin’s mayor, Kai Wegner, taking on the role himself. This idea was proposed by the German Cultural Council, which suggested it might be “probably the best solution” given the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections and the city’s challenging financial situation.
Whoever accepts the position will inherit what many view as a poisoned chalice. Berlin is still attempting to close a €130 million gap in its 2025 budget, with further cuts expected in the coming years.
