SPD Candidate Steffen Krach Proposes Mini-Parks for Berlin's Hottest Squares

SPD lead candidate Steffen Krach has called for the creation of mini-parks on Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz to combat extreme heat. Citing record temperatures—39.9°C measured in Tempelhof on June 27—Krach argued that central locations like these become 'unbearable frying pans' and need partial greening. He urged implementation of the tree law passed in November, which aims to significantly increase street trees by 2040. Krach cited Paris as a model for combining heritage and climate protection, aiming to transform 'stone deserts into green oases.' He also advocated for developing Tempelhofer Feld into a 'century park' using existing investment funds. The Berlin state election is scheduled for September 20.