Potsdam chooses new mayor: Schubert is history!

Potsdam chooses new mayor: Schubert is history!

In the Havestadt Potsdam, the signs are on elections: On September 21, a new mayor will be elected after Mike Schubert (SPD) was elected on May 25, 2025. This decision was made in the context of a citizens' decision, in which 68.3 percent of the voters spoke out for an early end of his term, as RBB reports that the required minimum election sharing was only reached.

Burkhard Exner (SPD), who has been working in the financial sector for many years, was employed as a provisional mayor and is currently managing the official business. The city councils had heavily criticized Mike Schubert because of his leadership failure and the problems within the city administration. In addition, an investigation was initiated against him for the acceptance of free VIP tickets, which was stopped without admission.

voting preparations in accordance with

interested candidates have time until July 17th to submit their election proposals. At least 112 supporter signatures are required to ensure that applicants can also compete in the city council or other political committees. The parties have a vigilant eye on potential non -partisan candidacies that are up for debate. Names like Bernd Rubelt and Noosha Aubel are often mentioned in this context.

If no candidate reaches the required absolute majority of 50 percent in the first ballot, there will be a runoff election between the two strongest applicants on October 12. This is a proven procedure that is anchored in the municipal electoral system in Brandenburg. The law regulates that the voters can vote anonymously in this type of election, including the possibility of postal voting.

A look at the challenges

The deselection of Mike Schubert, a highlight of the challenges in front of which the Potsdam administration is currently facing. Especially the ongoing criticisms for the overall leadership of the city and the accelerated pressure to be removed due to allegations increase the urgency after a stabilizing change of leadership. While the preparations are in full swing, it remains to be seen whether the parties manage to reach an agreement on a common candidate in order to represent the will to voters in the best possible way.

A look at the current circumstances shows that the course for a new political era in Potsdam is set, and the coming months will be crucial for the future orientation of the city. Let's hope that the next elections will bring the urgently needed stability and fresh wind!