Michael Müller (born 9 December 1964) is a German politician associated with the Social Democratic Party. He served as Governing Mayor of Berlin from December 2014 until December 2021 and held the rotating presidency of the Bundesrat from November 2017 to October 2018, a post that made him the deputy to the Federal President while in office.

Overview and political career

Müller has been a prominent figure in Berlin's state politics for many years. Before becoming mayor he held senior positions in the Abgeordnetenhaus (Berlin's state parliament), including leadership of the SPD parliamentary group. He became the party's candidate and was elected Governing Mayor following the resignation of his predecessor, leading a city administration that combined local responsibilities with the unique challenges of governing a German state that is also the national capital.

Responsibilities and priorities

As Governing Mayor, Müller oversaw a broad municipal and state portfolio: housing and urban development, public transportation, education and social services, and coordination with federal institutions. His administration placed emphasis on measures to increase housing supply and limit rent increases, improve public transport and cycling infrastructure, and strengthen climate and energy policies at the city level. Berlin's governance also required frequent cooperation with federal ministries and other states on security, migration and cultural matters.

Bundesrat presidency and federal role

From November 2017 to October 2018 Müller served as President of the Bundesrat, the federal council representing Germany's states. The position rotates among the minister-presidents and mayors of Germany's Länder; while president he acted as a constitutional deputy to the Federal President and chaired Bundesrat sessions in matters concerning legislation affecting the states.

Legacy and significance

Müller is regarded as a pragmatic urban politician who navigated Berlin through a period of rapid demographic and economic change, rising housing demand and debates over social equity. He left office in December 2021 when a new city government took office, and his tenure is often cited in discussions about metropolitan governance, affordable housing policies and the role of city-states within Germany's federal system.

Key positions held

  • Member and leader within the SPD parliamentary group in the Abgeordnetenhaus of Berlin
  • Governing Mayor (Regierender Bürgermeister) of Berlin, 2014–2021
  • President of the Bundesrat, November 2017–October 2018

For more on the political institutions he worked within, see the party page and the federal presidency: Social Democratic Party and Federal President of Germany.