# Berlin police personnel exodus following election

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/berlin-police-personnel-exodus-following-election
> Updated: 2026-10-22T18:00:08.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Following the electoral victory of the Die Linke party in Berlin, which proposed redistributing police funding toward social work, Baden-Württemberg Interior Minister Manuel Hagel offered Berlin police officers the opportunity to transfer to his state. Hagel argued that the Berlin police force was too valuable to be subject to a “left-wing clan mayor” who might reduce their resources and authority.

Subsequent reports indicate a significant increase in officers seeking transfers out of the capital. A survey by Focus online found that at least 72 officers have requested or applied for transfers since the election, compared to only 22 recorded throughout 2025. Most interested personnel are looking toward southwestern Germany, specifically Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

Baden-Württemberg has emerged as the primary destination, with approximately 57 to 58 requests submitted to its Ministry of the Interior. Minister Hagel has actively recruited the personnel, stating that those who stand for the rule of law are “always welcome.” Other states receiving interest include Thuringia and Bremen.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann has criticized Die Linke leadership, specifically Ines Schwerdtner, accusing her of being a “danger to Germany” following her comments regarding civil unrest in France. Herrmann suggested the political climate in Berlin is driving officers away due to concerns over internal security. Benjamin Jendro of the GdP Berlin previously warned that if this trend continues, it could result in the loss of entire police precincts within two years. While formal applications are currently noted as low in some reports, the high volume of inquiries to other states suggests a growing trend that could lead to long-term personnel shortages.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Berlin police face exodus following Left Party election victory

Dozens of Berlin police officers are requesting transfers to other German states, notably Baden-Württemberg, following the Left Party's election victory and concerns over shifting security policies.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-police-face-potential-exodus-as-officers-seek-transfers

### 2026-09-25: Baden-Württemberg minister offers jobs to Berlin police

Baden-Württemberg Interior Minister Manuel Hagel has invited Berlin police officers to relocate to his state following Die Linke's election victory in Berlin.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/baden-wrttemberg-minister-offers-jobs-to-berlin-police

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Cite as: Berlin police personnel exodus following election. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/berlin-police-personnel-exodus-following-election