Summary
Overview
Werner Graf, Green Party candidate for Berlin's Governing Mayor, discusses his political vision for the city, focusing on affordable housing, climate protection, drug policy reform, and progressive urban development. The conversation covers his background from founding a cannabis magazine to becoming a key Green politician, his approach to coalition building, and controversial topics like wealth redistribution and traffic policy.
Political Background and Path to Candidacy
Werner Graf introduces himself as the Green Party's top candidate for Berlin's House of Representatives election, aspiring to become Governing Mayor. He reflects on his political journey from Bavaria to Berlin, explaining how his experiences in activism, journalism, and Berlin's techno scene shaped his progressive political stance. Graf emphasizes his commitment to pragmatic governance over empty promises, criticizing previous administrations for over-promising and under-delivering.
- Graf is the Green Party's top candidate and would become Governing Mayor if they lead
- Moved to Berlin in 2006, drawn by the city's freedom and cultural scene, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals
- Founded and edited the Hanfjournal (cannabis magazine) from 2001-2005 as activism for legalization
- Criticizes politicians who make unrealistic promises like new universities or maglev trains instead of focusing on achievable goals
" Ich möchte gerne ein Bürgermeister werden, der eine klare Haltung hat und ein klares Ziel, wo es hingeht. Der auch die Regierung zusammenführt und auch miteinander führt. Aber der nicht wie... dass wir so eine Situation haben, dass der Mund extrem voll genommen wurde, dass extrem viel versprochen wurde. "
Personal Identity and Political Authenticity
In more personal moments, Graf discusses how his background in Berlin's club scene, cannabis activism, and LGBTQ+ advocacy shaped his political identity. He reflects on the importance of queer visibility and the tension between his hedonistic past and current political responsibilities. The conversation reveals someone attempting to maintain authenticity while navigating the constraints of electoral politics.
- Describes Berlin as 'city of freedom' where he could live openly as gay man
- Former regular at Ostgut (predecessor to Berghain) but no longer has time for clubbing
- Views queer visibility as life-saving, particularly for trans youth facing high suicide rates
- Considers himself a hedonist committed to 'everyone having a good life, not just me'
" Für mich war es total wichtig, dass es dann in Nürnberg Fliederlich gab, wo es eine Coming-out-Gruppe gab, wo ich mich mit denen treffen konnte und darüber reden konnte und festgestellt habe, ich bin nicht verrückt, ich bin nicht schlimm. Das ist gut, wie ich bin. "
" Ich laufe nicht durch die Welt und habe ein Gefühl, dass mir was entgeht. Ich habe eher das Gefühl, krass, was darf ich hier tun? "
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