HIS 13-year reign as mayor of Berlin, Germany’s capital as well as one of its 16 federal states, coincided with the city’s rise as a metropolis of cool. Indeed, Klaus Wowereit personified much of what modern Berlin stands for. “I am gay and that is just fine,” he proclaimed in 2001, becoming the first candidate for state premier to out himself, and the stigma seemed gone at once.His description of Berlin as “poor but sexy” stuck. No matter that its schools are mediocre and its finances perpetually subsidised by richer states. Mr Wowereit partied hard in a party town, looking at ease even when sipping prosecco from stiletto heels. Usually donning an ironic smile under an errant strand of hair, he projected urbaneness, tolerance and cosmopolitanism. For years, he was considered a top talent by his Social Democratic Party.But his reputation took a tailspin along with his favorite project, a huge new airport. Co-financed by Berlin, the surrounding state of Brandenburg and the federal government, the new airport was due to open in June 2012 but keeps being delayed. Construction problems crop up everywhere and costs continue soaring. The airport and Mr Wowereit, chairman of its…
