Berlin's Helmut-Kohl Street Remains Unoccupied

Berlin Plans to Honor Helmut Kohl with Street Renaming

Berlin's governing mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), has announced plans to honor former Chancellor Helmut Kohl this year, marking the 35th anniversary of German Unity. A street or square in Berlin's government district of Mitte has been proposed for renaming in honor of Kohl, who is internationally recognized as the "Chancellor of Unity" for his role in German reunification during his tenure from 1982 to 1998.

The district of Mitte, where the Bundestag and the Federal Chancellery are located, has been suggested as a predestined location for a street or square named after Kohl. However, discussions regarding the street naming are still ongoing, and the implementation by October 3rd is not considered realistic according to the Mitte District Administration.

In Berlin, the districts are responsible for the naming or renaming of streets and squares. The responsibility for renaming a street or place in honor of former Chancellor Helmut Kohl lies primarily with the district authorities, specifically the district of Mitte. The district assembly (Bezirksverordnetenversammlung) and the district office (Bezirksamt Mitte) must initiate and approve the renaming, followed by a publication in the official gazette before it becomes effective.

So far, the Mitte District Administration has not been involved in the matter of renaming a street or square after Helmut Kohl. The current status of the street in Berlin named after former Chancellor Helmut Kohl is uncertain. It's worth noting that Kohl is also controversial due to his role in the CDU donation scandal.

The planned renaming would first have to be published in the official gazette and would become effective only three months later, assuming there is no objection. The implementation of the renaming by the Day of German Unity (October 3rd) is not considered realistic according to the Mitte District Administration. The discussion about where to honor Helmut Kohl has been ongoing for several years without a resolution.

Despite the challenges, the Berlin CDU and SPD have agreed in their coalition agreement to name a street or square after Helmut Kohl. The naming or renaming of streets and squares is a significant decision, and it remains to be seen how and when this agreement will be implemented.