Obermayr Elected Despite Absence: City Council Kicks Off New Term with Fresh Faces and Clear Signals
Wiesbaden's new city council starts with political shifts and no coalition
It's a moment that lingers: An election takes placeâand the winner isn't there. In the inaugural session of Wiesbaden's city council, the new legislative term begins with a small political curiosity.
A Presiding Officer Elected in Absentia
Dr. Gerhard Obermayr remains the city's First Citizen. The council confirms him as its presiding officer with a clear majority: 70 votes in favor, nine abstentions, and one againstâpossibly from Lukas Haker of Die Partei, who had last-minute ambitions to run as an opposing candidate. None of this is new, nor is the outcome; what's unusual is the circumstance: Obermayr is unable to attend for health reasons.
Such a case is rare. Even seasoned city officials struggle to recall a comparable election. Yet it poses no real problemâObermayr had previously submitted a written statement accepting the position. Democracy, it seems, functions even when a chair remains empty.
New Rules, New Procedures
The session itself begins with a change. No longer does the oldest member open the meeting; instead, it's the one with the longest service. Thus, after a welcome from Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende, Nordenstadt's district head Rainer Pfeifer (CDU) calmly guides the council through its inaugural proceedings, overseeing the election of the presiding officer and deputies.
The council also demonstrates its readiness for work in the deputy roles: Sofia Karipidou (CDU), Thomas Schwarze (SPD), Nele Siedenburg (Greens), Alexander Winkelmann (FDP), and SongĂźl YĂźksel-Fener (Left Party) take on responsibility. A proposal from the AfD fails to gain sufficient support.
A Larger Magistrate
Later in the session, the magistrateâthe city's executive bodyâexpands. From now on, it will have 24 members, as Wiesbaden adds an extra seat for its honorary councilors. The appointment drawing the most attention is the one filling that new position: Astrid Wallmann. The president of Hesse's state parliament is now part of the magistrate. A murmur ripples through the chamber.
Shifting Political Dynamics in the City Council
Fragmented majorities, open power strugglesâthe new city council's political landscape is complex and, above all, fluid. A total of 13 parties and voter groups are distributed across eight factions, with one independent councilor. No fixed coalition exists at the start of the term. The search for majorities and shifting alliances will shape the council's work in the coming weeks.
Several red lines are already clear: All factions rule out cooperation with the AfD. Distance also remains between the CDU and the Left Party. Alliances with smaller groups are considered unlikely. What emerges is a political structure demanding flexibility. Decisions will require more negotiation, and majorities will need to be reassembled time and againâa council in working mode before fixed blocs have even formed.
The committees are also being reorganized. Their number remains the same, but their size shrinksâfrom 15 to 12 members each. Responsibilities are shifting, too: Security issues now fall under the Urban Development Committee, while health and elder care move to the forefront. Wiesbaden's politics are realigningânot just in personnel, but in priorities.
Between Gratitude and Strong Words
Beyond elections and structural matters, the session sends a message. Speakers call for respect and unequivocally condemn hatred directed at elected officials. Democracy thrives on debateâbut not on threats. The first session of the new term thus concludes with a clear signal: The city council is ready to work. And to do so together.
