The CDU won the Berlin elections.
But forming a government is likely to be complex, comments Mike Schier.
Let's start with the good news: Berlin can organize elections.
For years, jokes about the chaos had been cracked in the metropolis and far beyond.
However, the fact that the capital failed on the very basics of democracy was a real shock to Germany's self-image, which otherwise likes to look down on the rest of Europe.
So now the successful repetition - perhaps also because many Berliners had better things to do.
Instead of chaos during the election, there is now chaos after the election.
Berlin election: The CDU can feel like a winner in a more left-wing city
Yes, the CDU can feel like a winner, which is remarkable in a structurally more left-wing city.
Their rich result is a resounding slap in the face for red-green-red - there really shouldn't be a "keep it up".
Only: with whom does Kai Wegner want to govern?
The SPD and the Greens have a deep distrust of the conservatives.
In terms of content, there is little to suggest that they are changing camp to play second fiddle behind the CDU – even if Wegner stretched out his hand yesterday.
Giffey's red-green-red would have a taste - the frustration in Berlin is palpable
Left and AfD are eliminated.
And the FDP has also disintegrated into its individual parts in Berlin.
The government search is likely to drag on.
But it would be more than a G'schmäckle if red-green-red continued.
In Berlin, politics and administration have to reinvent themselves.
The riots on New Year's Eve, the rapidly increasing rents, the anger about traffic or schools - the frustration is palpable.
"Everybody's gossip about the city.
But everyone wants to come here,” said Franziska Giffey during the election campaign.
A new version of "poor but sexy", even then nonsense.
Even Berliners have had enough of the succinct, resigned “Dit is Berlin”.
Mike Schier