Political Ambitions

To some observers, the fact that Klaus Wowereit published his memoirs in September at the age of 53 was a case of a heightened sense of self-importance, perhaps even arrogance, or at least jumping the gun.

His book, although entitled "…and that's OK -- My Life in Politics," does not present a new political philosophy or ideas on how Germany can succeed in a globalized economy. Rather, these are stories from his own life, of his hardscrabble childhood, his school days, his entry into public office, his finding love and happiness. Politics is present, but plays a secondary role.

But those who think the book is nothing more than a vanity project by someone who believes his own life is inspirational are likely underestimating Wowereit's political and media savvy. Indeed, many observers think the book is an announcement by the Social Democratic, openly gay mayor to the public and his own SPD party that Berlin's city hall is not the last stop on his political journey.

"Wowereit wants to play a larger role in national politics," said Gero Neugebauer, professor emeritus of political science at Berlin's Free University. "This book allowed him to get into the media and get people talking about him again."

But all the talk has not necessarily been positive, and while Wowereit is used to criticism as mayor of Germany's capital and largest city, his hinting at a desire to reach greater political heights has turned up the intensity of the spotlight on him.

Public outing, skyrocketing popularity

His book's title references the event that turned Wowereit from a local politician into an A-list celebrity who just happened to also sit in the mayor's office. In 2001, during the campaign, he outed himself publicly in a speech with the words: "I'm gay, and that's OK."

Suddenly, Berlin had a mayor who seemed perfectly in synch with the city itself -- open, risk-taking and just a step outside of the mainstream. There wasn't much industry to be found in the capital and unemployment was higher than almost anywhere else in Germany, but it certainly knew how to party. Manufacturing sites were rare, but one couldn't throw a rock without hitting a club or bar.

Wowereit could be found in more than a few of those locales, or at society functions, pressing the flesh and having a good time. His office even came up with an unofficial slogan for Berlin, "Poor, but sexy." People lapped it up; and with an opposition in disarray, Wowereit's popularity grew.

The right stuff?

But as it looks like Berlin might be too small a pond for "Wowi," as he's affectionately known, critics are looking at his record and wondering if he has what it takes to jump to the federal level – and maybe one day even run for the top job.

His sexuality doesn't seem to figure large. Newspaper headlines have been fond of the expression "gay chancellor" of late and Germans themselves aren't put off by it. In a recent survey, 79 percent of Germans said they didn't think homosexuality was a stumbling block on the way to the chancellery.

"I think the population is further along than politicians when it comes to that," said Klaus Jetz, director of the Gay and Lesbian Federation of Germany, who said he wasn't surprised at the poll results. "The sexuality of a chancellor doesn't influence his or her policies."

That may be true, say others, but add that Wowereit's record in Berlin, particularly when it comes to attracting industry, is not particularly good. The Berlin office of the Free Democrats, Germany's free-market liberal party, recently sent the mayor a book entitled "Klaus Wowereit's Ideas for More Economic Growth and Jobs in Berlin." The book was blank.

While the mayor shows enthusiasm for attracting media and other creative -- read "sexy" -- companies to the capital, critics say he is blasé about getting big players here which could employ big numbers.

"In general, he has an attitude that is hostile to the economy," said Markus Löning, chair of the Berlin FDP. "Business people who are interested in investing in Berlin can't even get an appointment with him."

Others question his intellectual heft, and even Wowereit himself admits in his book he was never a big reader. In a questionnaire the mayor filled out at the end of 2004, he couldn't name the date the Second World War began, the answer to 3 + 8 x 2, or spell "rhythm."

In a blistering critique in the Süddeutsche Zeitung daily, long-time foreign correspondent Roger Boyes wrote: "Often Wowi simply acts like a bored teenager."

Slow and steady -- he's got time

But political scientist Neugebauer is less critical of the mayor's performance in office, saying he has made the best out of the very bad situation he found when he got there.

Wowereit was able to bring the Berlin SPD out of a long-term crisis, has given Berlin a new international profile that has brought in streams of tourists and has gotten the city's budget under control by enacting strict spending controls. His office has stepped up its efforts to bring high-tech and service sector jobs to the city.

"He's working with what he's got, and going step by step," said Neugebauer, similar to the strategy of another German politician, Angela Merkel.

And he can wait, he added, he's young enough. Wowereit will not likely challenge current SPD head Kurt Beck, but will likely see how the 2009 federal elections go before making his next move. Right now SPD leaders are keeping a close eye on them. He's seen as one who doesn't follow the party line lock-step, but who can win elections. That gives him some clout, according to Neugebauer.

"He just has to wait for the right opportunities," he said. "And maybe still prove that he's got some real substance to him."