The snow in Berlin has melted – revealing the filth beneath.

Dear Readers,

The snow in Berlin has melted – revealing the filth beneath. Yesterday, at the C*U Party Day, we witnessed firsthand the direction our democracy is drifting in. Mandatory real names online? Everyone knows the result: Free exchange is stifled, and citizens are turned into transparent surveillance objects. Dissenting opinions? They're not supposed to emerge in the first place. Berlin has a mayor who exemplifies exactly this with his real name – and engages in some serious Berlin-bashing. For ordinary citizens, this kind of thing usually doesn't end with a well-funded pension. But the problem runs deeper: So-called "raison d'état" is eroding the Basic Law. The rule of law, established by our parents and grandparents, is being dismantled by those who were supposed to protect it. Disagreement? Criticism? Consensus? – All unwelcome.

And so it continues seamlessly: Away with the buildings from the 1950s to the 1980s. Away with everything that doesn't fit the picture. Away with democracy. Away with human dignity. Habersaathstraße in Mitte is a prime example.

Tenants there have been freezing in their apartments for months at six degrees Celsius. The district? Inactive. Despite the law. Despite its own regulations.

The old AV WoAufG Bln – still self-binding – clearly states:
"Non-stationary electric heaters are not considered a proper heating option." (§ 27 para. 5)

Nevertheless, the district office tersely declares in document 2296/VI:

"A heating option exists... because the landlord has provided oil radiators. That is sufficient."

Rule of law? Apparently only for investors. For tenants who have been enduring over 100 days without district heating and hot water, while doors are kicked in and bathrooms are vandalized? Not a chance. The Green-Red coalition-dominated district office looks on – or even supports the situation.

Substitute performance: Cynical platitudes about solidarity.

But: The citizens will soon be able to vote.

And if such people are then ousted from their offices...

...it won't be so bad. It's long overdue.