Hendrik Sommer: A mayor is leaving Prenzlau in a big way!

Hendrik Sommer: A mayor is leaving Prenzlau in a big way!

On December 26, 2025, Hendrik Sommer (independent) was officially adopted as mayor of Prenzlau. Although he will remain in office until January 2, 2026, Sommer has already left his office to take his vacation days. Numerous companions and citizens gathered in front of the town hall to pay their last respects and look back together on his time in office. Among those present were representatives from the police, fire brigade, technical relief organization, soldiers from the 610 telecommunications battalion and city administration employees. The farewell was not only an exuberant occasion, but also a dignified farewell, which was accompanied by music by Rammstein. The songs “Sonne” and “Adieu” created a striking atmosphere during the ceremony that touched many people.

The chairman of the city council, Ludger Melters, described summer as a “stroke of luck” and a “career”. In his speech, Melters not only acknowledged Sommer's commitment, but also emphasized that he had a significant influence on the tone and cooperation within the city council. Sommer himself was surprised and touched by the magnitude of the farewell. Beautiful gestures such as the symbolic planting of a summer linden tree with a plaque bearing Summer's name underlined the appreciation of those present. This campaign should not only be a reminder of the good cooperation, but also serve as a sign for the future.

A farewell full of recognition

During the farewell, Sommer was also able to make entries in the Golden Book of the city of Prenzlau and was awarded the Silver Badge of Honor by Matthias Braune. This award is the Association of Berlin-Brandenburg Housing Companies' highest honor for non-members. The auditorium of the Prenzlauer Gymnasium, also known as the former flower hall, became the scene of a large farewell parade. There were many personal moments with employees and political colleagues here. Words of thanks, gifts and films created a festive atmosphere. District Administrator Karina Dörk and the mayor of Schwedt, Annekathrin Hoppe, were also among the well-wishers.

• Überraschung und Wertschätzung: Sommer erhielt viel Lob für seine unpolarisierten Ansätze.
• „Gelebte Demokratie“: Hartmut Flach betonte, wie Sommer stets das Gemeinwohl ins Zentrum seiner Entscheidungen stellte.
• Würdigung der langjährigen Zusammenarbeit: Die Unternehmervereinigung Uckermark sprach Unsummen an Dankbarkeit für Sommer aus.

His departure also marks the end of a distinctive and, by many, successful term of office in which he had a decisive influence on the city of Prenzlau. Sommer's successor will now face the challenge of continuing the successes and adapting to the new circumstances. Citizens' expectations of their mayors have increased, which makes volunteering in Germany an increasingly demanding task. There are currently around 10,788 mayors in Germany, many of whom work on a voluntary basis and are therefore particularly challenged to combine work and official duties. They play an important role in the political representation of their communities, as shown by a recent study, which also points to the challenges for mayors in rural regions.

The people of Prenzlau look back on this farewell with both a crying and a laughing eye. Hendrik Sommer left a lasting mark and advanced the city in many ways. Now it's time to plan for the future and build on the experiences and values ​​he leaves behind. The new phase of Sommer's life is well-deserved relaxation - and his contributions to the city will certainly not be forgotten.