Election on Sunday: Mayor Strömer without any opposing candidates!

Election on Sunday: Mayor Strömer without any opposing candidates!

The election for the headquarters in Oranienbaum-Wörlitz is taking place on Sunday, October 20th. A high level of effort awaits those eligible to vote, as the 12 polling stations open their doors from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. According to the municipal election officer Jan Illmer, 6,847 citizens are eligible to vote and around 90 election workers are on hand to ensure that the vote runs smoothly.

The current situation in the race for mayor is interesting. The incumbent mayor Maik Strömer from the CDU is running again, but without a challenger. Neither other factions in the city council nor independent candidates have applied, which significantly improves Strömer's prospects. Since an absolute majority is required for the election, it is absolutely certain that Strömer, who will celebrate his 50th birthday in 2025, will remain in office for the next seven years if he receives at least half of the votes.

The undisputed incumbent

Strömer explains that the decision to extend his term of office was made not least within his own family, long before the lack of competition became clear. “About a year and a half ago we decided in the family that I would move on,” he said. Although it is a special situation to be on the ballot without competition, he still hopes for a high voter turnout as a sign of trust.

He emphasizes that his work should always be communicated transparently. The digital development of the administration is supported by a targeted employee who ensures that the municipality does not fall behind in this regard. Strömer makes it clear that despite the municipality's "extremely tense financial situation", no major projects will be started in the near future, but that cooperation with surrounding institutions such as the Dessau-Wörlitz Cultural Foundation and the State Chancellery remains a ray of hope for him.

Expenditure for the common good

Since no costs were incurred as a result of the election campaign not taking place, Strömer plans to invest the funds saved in social projects. He formulated this intention during his vacation in the Lüneburg Heath and sees clear added value for the community here.

Observations by Rüdiger Schmidt, former mayor of Vockerode and member of the SPD, show that Strömer's objective and calm manner is valued in politics. These qualities have saved him from many political conflicts in recent years. Schmidt was convinced that an opposing candidate, regardless of party, would have had little chance.

The other factions in the city council, including the groups Modern and Transparent, Die Linke and AfD, have not yet commented on the reasons why they decided not to have their own candidate. The upcoming election could not only influence the political landscape in Oranienbaum-Wörlitz, but also the future projects that will be tackled in the municipality. It remains to be seen how citizens will react to this unusual election.

For further information on this topic, see the current reporting on www.mz.de.