From Giffey's angry speech to a location check: What Berlin can learn from Warsaw
How does Berlin compare to Warsaw? Why does Senator for Economic Affairs Giffey get nervous when someone draws comparisons? An interview with Dr. Ewa Łabno-Falęcka.
Dr. Ewa Łabno-Falęcka has been associated with Mercedes-Benz in Poland for more than 25 years in various capacities. She currently works as a freelance consultant for the company's project management team in the city of Jawor in Lower Silesia. In October, the business expert moderated a panel discussion in Warsaw as part of the "30 Years of the German-Polish Chamber of Industry and Commerce" anniversary conference, which was also attended by Berlin's Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey. When Łabno-Falęcka asked Giffey about Berlin's shortcomings, the SPD politician responded with a speech defending Berlin. The exchange went viral. Łabno-Falęcka had simply wanted to know how the Berlin brand was faring. She quoted a passage from the daily newspaper "Die Welt," according to which a study showed that Berlin performs poorly compared to other German states. In retrospect, Łabno‑Falęcka talks about Giffey's emotional speech and shares her view on the cities of Berlin and Warsaw.
Ms. Łabno-Falęcka, you moderated the discussion with Franziska Giffey. Were you surprised by the sharp tone of her speech?
The tone may not have been harsh, but it was extremely emotional. The discussion centered on comparing Polish and German brands. Cities are, after all, also "brands," so I wanted to know what kind of "brand" Berlin is today. For three decades, Berlin has been considered "cool" in Poland. At the event, I quoted from a ranking of German cities. The discussion also touched on the quality of life in various European metropolises, where Copenhagen and Zurich have consistently topped the list for years. From my perspective, I outlined how Warsaw has noticeably caught up in recent years—even compared to Berlin, a city many in Poland know very well. I pointed out that many Poles love Berlin, myself included, but at the same time wonder what's going on with the city. "Berlin has become arrogant, chaotic, and dysfunctional," wrote Die Welt. The senator's reaction was unusual: she rolled up her arms, stood up from her chair, and delivered a highly emotional speech to the audience in the hall, defending Berlin powerfully and, for many, convincingly—among other things, as a city with democracy and women's rights.
Were you trying to provoke Ms. Giffey with that question? Berlin has hardly any economic growth to show for itself. While one might be pleased about the Christopher Street Day parade and women's rights, it's hardly enough for the capital of a major economic nation. Isn't it?
It's not really my place to judge. I just wanted to have an open discussion, but I probably touched a nerve. The topic was supposed to be the image of Polish companies in Germany and vice versa. Incidentally, there's a noticeable asymmetry here: Many German companies and brands have been active in Poland for three decades, like Siemens and BASF. Polish companies and brands, on the other hand, are struggling in the German market. The panelists discussed the reasons for this. This topic accounted for 90 percent of the discussion. And Berlin? It was and still is considered "cool" in Poland. There's a lot of affection for the city in Poland. At the same time, people talk about—and argue about—Berlin's functionality: How quickly can you get things done, as a citizen or as a business owner? How clean is Berlin? How safe do people feel on the subway? I wanted to hear how Berlin perceives itself. Nothing more.
What do you personally notice when you compare Berlin with Warsaw? You lived in Germany for some time. In 2000 you moved back to Warsaw.
Yes, I've lived in Tübingen, Freiburg, Cologne, and Berlin. But Berlin has become especially dear to me for many reasons. My favorite pub is on Akazienstraße, and my daughter met her husband in Volkspark Wilmersdorf. We still have a small apartment in West Berlin. I don't want to overstate my praise for Warsaw, but you have to acknowledge that the Polish capital has made a huge leap. It's become sophisticated, green, and open-minded. Public transportation is safe; the metro is clean and monitored. In Berlin, that sometimes feels different, subjectively speaking. Daily life is also much easier, and it's easier to get hold of tradespeople. If something breaks down in an apartment in our housing cooperative in Warsaw—of which I'm the honorary chairwoman, by the way—I can immediately call a service company. In Berlin, after a heating failure, I called dozens of companies—and only got appointments months later.
You work for a German company. How do German and Polish management styles differ?
Germany, with its "Made in Germany" slogan, is still admired by Poles; the country stands for discipline, perfection, and excellent work organization. But Poland's economy grows by more than three percent annually, and many wonder what's behind it. Some experts speak of the "entrepreneurial gene" of the Poles. Last year, it was revealed that more than 353,000 new businesses were founded in Poland. It has also become clear that the country is one of the hardest-working nations in Europe. We have diligent employees who rise quickly within companies. Just think of the hardworking Polish plumber, whom the West initially feared so much after 2004, and who is now in such high demand. For me, the entrepreneurial gene means courage and the willingness to take risks without being able to rely on a 100% guarantee of success. Standards and rules are commendable, but more suited to calm times. In turbulent times, a kind of "creative destruction," as Peter Schumpeter described it, is sometimes necessary. Poles often make decisions more quickly and adjust their decisions again when circumstances change. We are world champions at readjusting and improvising. This isn't always optimal, but it's often effective in dynamic times where speed is a value. A combination of German discipline and reliability, coupled with Polish agility and commitment, would be an ideal driving force for Europe.
From your perspective, what are the problems in Berlin and Germany?
Bureaucracy and overregulation are a real problem. Let me give you an example: If I want to make changes to our Berlin apartment or even just do some minor renovations, I get a lengthy quote from a contractor, detailing every single service in excruciating detail. Who needs that? In Poland, you get a one-page document, negotiate the price and the deadline – and that's it. Another issue is digitalization. In Poland, many tasks are handled through a government app called "mObywatel." You can get ID cards, file your tax return, register your car, or schedule a vaccination appointment. Paperless. This saves time, hassle, and transaction fees. In Berlin, many government offices still use those awful fax machines.
In her speech, Franziska Giffey emphasized democratic values and women's rights in Berlin. Why?
Poland is a democratic EU country. It's true that Poland's abortion laws are considered among the most restrictive in Europe. Women's rights are important to me, and I participate in all the demonstrations to change the legislation on this issue. But there's still no majority for it in parliament. So I think it's good that the Berlin Senator for Economic Affairs emphasized the importance of the topic so strongly. But some members of the audience found the praise for women's rights in Berlin somewhat odd—as if Warsaw didn't care about women's rights. Women are very visible in Poland. Some in the room, in turn, perceived Giffey's remarks as somewhat patronizing—and nobody likes being patronized.
Poland is becoming increasingly wealthy and progressive. Are Germans noticing this? Or is there a lack of awareness of the changes taking place in Poland?
Poland has made a leap forward in civilization over the past 35 years. This still surprises many in Germany. "Wow, what the Poles have achieved here is truly remarkable!" said Ms. Giffey after her visit to Warsaw. The Poles have developed a new self-confidence and hope that our neighbors to the west will become aware of this. We are catching up considerably in many areas. For example, it is already happening that Polish companies are acquiring German medium-sized businesses. That would have been unthinkable before.
What specific lessons can Berlin learn from Warsaw?
Service and the courage to change and move quickly. Public authorities and companies must become visibly faster and more customer-oriented. Digital standards: Germany needs forms that can be filled out on smartphones, meaning more digital services in everyday life. And: Berliners should take security seriously as a location factor.
And what about Warsaw from Berlin?
The diversity, the institutional strength, and the reliable excellence in research and teaching. And more beautiful bridges, too.
In conclusion: What is your personal takeaway from Ms. Giffey's speech? I felt—but only in retrospect—like a sharp-tongued journalist who had managed to elicit an unexpected statement from the interviewee. Ms. Giffey's speech was a surprising moment during a conference where everyone usually agrees with everyone else. The audience was very pleased, and I received many letters. I wish Berlin and Ms. Giffey all the very best. But competitiveness isn't just decided on stage; it's also decided where applications are submitted, subways arrive on time, and bills are paid. Warsaw has caught up in this regard. Berlin and Warsaw are, for many, the most interesting cities in Europe. Next year marks the 35th anniversary of the city partnership between Warsaw and Berlin. We hope to welcome many guests from the German capital to Warsaw once again. You are all most welcome!
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