Politics

Respect is due for Schreiner's departure, yet some criticism is also warranted.

Respect has been shown towards the transport senator's decision to step down, even from the opposition parties. Nonetheless, they have distinct requests.

SymClub
May 2, 2024
3 min read
NewsUniversity of RostockGermanyBerlinCDUManja SchreinerClimateScienceResignationKai WegnerSenateCabMecklenburg-Western PomeraniaCar
Manja Schreiner (CDU).
Manja Schreiner (CDU).

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US Senate - Respect is due for Schreiner's departure, yet some criticism is also warranted.

The Resignation of Manja Schreiner: A Call for a Fresh Start in Transport Policy

In a surprising turn of events, Transport Senator Manja Schreiner (CDU) has decided to step down from her position in Berlin. Her request for dismissal was granted by the governing mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), and authorities from the University of Rostock have stated that they plan to revoke her doctorate. The reason given is that her dissertation lacked sufficient labeling. Schreiner held the position of Senator for Transport, Climate, and Environmental Protection for over a year.

Respect From the Political World

Berlin's political parties have commended Schreiner's decision to resign. Wegner, the governing mayor, expressed his respect for Schreiner's ability to put her personal interests second by saying, "I have complied with your request to be dismissed with a heavy heart. You campaigned for a transport policy that took into account all road users, and your willingness to prioritize the greater good is admirable."

Klein, the CDU General Secretary, agreed, stating, "Schreiner's decision deserves great respect. She has left an indelible mark on the city's transport policy, inaugurating a more inclusive approach to mobility."

A Need for Change in Transportation

Green Party parliamentary group leader Werner Graf called Schreiner's resignation the only possible course of action given the situation. He emphasized the need for a swift replacement in the position, saying, "Our city cannot afford a vacancy in this post. It's high time for a progressive, courageous, and sustainable transport policy that makes Berlin fair and safe."

The Changing Cities association, which has criticized Schreiner's policies, called for a similar transformation. They accused her of hindering the implementation of cycling infrastructure and traffic calming measures, leading to significant damage to the city's transportation system. "Schreiner should have resigned for her failed transport policy, but honestly, there was enough reason to do so," they remarked.

Coping with the Consequences

The German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) voiced their disappointment over Schreiner's departure. They expressed appreciation for her open-mindedness and commitment to the taxi and hire car industry. "Schreiner deserves respect for her consistency in politics, an area that is unfortunately an exception today," they stated. The association hopes that her successor will uphold the same level of understanding and support for the industry.

Left leaders Anne Helm and Carsten Schatz acknowledged Schreiner's decision to resign as an unfortunate but practical move. However, they expressed less admiration for her tenure in office. Helm and Schatz accused her of continuing to prioritize cars from the previous century and attempting to slow down the transport revolution. "Black-Red now has an opportunity to use Schreiner's resignation to make a fresh start and combine a change in personnel with a change in policy."

Resigning with Decency

AfD parliamentary group leader Kristin Brinker applauded Schreiner's decision to resign, noting that she had made an effort to harmonize the various transportation interests in Berlin instead of pitting road users against each other. She praised Schreiner's political decorum, saying, "Her recognition of the need to resign in the face of the withdrawal of her doctorate sets a positive example for other politicians who still cling to their offices in the face of more serious allegations."

The Ratings of Schreiner's Tenure

The SPD's transport expert, Tino Schopf, commended Schreiner for her work over the past year: "I regret that Manja Schreiner has opted to resign as transport senator. During this time, she has managed one of the largest specialist administrations in Berlin. She undertook the challenging task of steering Berlin's transport policy out of the 'green ideology trap' and into a more holistic mobility policy."

Stettner, the CDU parliamentary group leader, also acknowledged the challenges Schreiner faced: "She approached this task with extraordinary determination, foresight, and personal commitment, not just for the sake of political gain, but with the needs of all Berliners in mind."

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Source: www.stern.de

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