Cologne chooses new mayor: An overview of 13 candidates!
Cologne chooses new mayor: An overview of 13 candidates!
If the Cologne town hall gate opened again on September 14, 2025 for the mayor election, the political landscape of the cathedral city will change significantly. Henriette Reker, the long -time incumbent, no longer competes after two terms and makes room for a breath of fresh air. A total of 13 applicants, originally 21 interested, fulfilled the necessary candidacy for the executive chair in Cologne, such as 24rhein.de reported.
The upcoming elections promise an exciting argument, especially since the Cologne Greens and Berîvan Aymaz have been sending their first own OB candidate into the race for over a decade. The 52-year-old is a well-known face in politics, was already in the Cologne city council and is now active as the second vice president in the NRW state parliament. With its focus on sustainability and living space problems, she clearly positions herself against expensive major projects and tunnel solutions for the east-west axis. According to T-Online she even takes into account a stronger role in citizen participation in urban politics.
candidates at a glance
The list of aspirants comprises a colorful spectrum of personalities and political approaches. Here is an overview of the candidates:
| name | party | Alter
| |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berîvan Aymaz | Greens | 52 | sustainability, living space, local transport |
| Markus Greitemann | CDU | 64 | Ordinary service, housing construction |
| Torsten Burmester | SPD | 61 | affordable living space, security, education |
| Heiner Kockerbeck | the left | 50 | social justice, free local transport |
| Volker Görzel | FDP | 54 | reducing bureaucracy, security |
| Lars Wolfram | volt | 48 | Mobility transition, digitization |
| Matthias Büschges | afd | 34 | security, order |
| Mark Benecke | the party | 54 | humorous demands, animal rights |
| Inga Feuser | Gut & climate lovers | 42 | climate protection, mobility transition |
| Heike Flora herds | Party of Progress | 37 | living, mobility, education |
| ali güçlü | independent | 51 | no clear positions |
| Roberto Campione | Kölner Stadt-Gesellschaft | 51 | security, cleanliness, housing construction |
| Hans Mörtter | independent | 69 | affordable living space, climate protection |
rapid election campaign and exciting developments
The election campaign already promises to be splendidly standing in the headlight of the media. The candidates bring their own stories and visions, with some of them can already look back on a long political career. Burmester not only acted as the CEO of the DOSB, but was also a personal speaker by Gerhard Schröder. Greitemann, the current building department, wants to put a strong focus on housing construction and improve the quality of stay in the city.
The special thing about this choice is also the fact that, if none of the candidates, should reach the 50%brand, on September 28, 2025, a runoff election must take place. This could further heat up the political debates in the city and activate the electorate, as [Benecke.com notes] (https://home.benecke.com/publications/oberbuermeister-wahl-koeln-2025-die candidate).
The Cologne names can be excited to see how the selection process will develop and what visions will prevail. What is certain is that it will be an interesting and varied election campaign!
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ort | Köln, Deutschland |
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