Torsten Burmester: The SPD hero for Cologne's future in the mayoral race!

Torsten Burmester: The SPD hero for Cologne's future in the mayoral race!

There are signs of change in Cologne: on September 28th Runoff election for the post of mayor decided. Torsten Burmester from the SPD and Berivan Aymaz from the Greens are there. While Aymaz is fighting for a green transition, Burmester brings with him many years of experience in politics and sport.

Born on January 15, 1963 in Uchte and raised in Remscheid, Burmester describes his childhood as “simple but good”. His roots are deeply rooted in the region, which also reflects his motivation for the mayor's post: "I want to get involved. I want to change," he explained at his meeting nomination in May this year. The passionate athlete not only has a diploma as a sports teacher, but also has an impressive professional career that has taken him through various political offices over the years. His career began in the 1990s with the SPD, where he held various leadership positions, including as personal advisor for sports policy in the Chancellery.

A man with visions

Burmester wants to move the city forward with clear focus areas. Traffic, cleanliness, security and housing are important to him. In addition, he is planning a new leadership style: He relies on clear objectives and more responsibility for employees. Supporters emphasize that his long experience in leadership positions and his unbiased view of Cologne will be beneficial to the city. Critics, however, recall his aborted term at the German Olympic Sports Confederation, where he resigned in December 2024 following allegations from the Ethics Commission.

On June 4, 2025, Burmester met with the Allianz Kölner Sport together with his competitors Markus Greitemann (CDU) and Volker Görzel (FDP) to discuss the dilapidated infrastructure and lack of investment in sport. “Sport strengthens community spirit and cohesion,” emphasized Burmester and announced that as mayor he would actively support sport in Cologne. Unbureaucratic handling of grants is particularly important to him in order to help the clubs.

Personal life and commitment

Torsten Burmester lives privately in Rodenkirchen, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. He also remains loyal to sport in his free time: he volunteers with the 99ers and FC Rheinsüd Cologne. As a former handball player, he sees sport not just as a leisure activity, but as an important part of social life.

In the midst of the current political debate, Burmester sees the need to initiate a positive change in city politics. As he prepares for the upcoming elections, it remains to be seen whether the people of Cologne will follow his vision.

We'll soon know how the race for the mayoral election will end for Burmester and his competitors - the tension is rising!