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Two favorites, six applicants, a generational change: this Sunday's mayoral election is considered one of the most exciting in Hanau for many years.
Hanau – Last summer The long-time town hall boss Claus Kaminsky (SPD) announced that he was resigning from his office early on September 30thin order – as he emphasized – to consciously clear the way for a younger generation. Now the people of Hanau will decide on his successor on Sunday.
Six candidates, two favorites: Hanau elects mayor
The 66-year-old, Hesse's longest-serving mayor, is no longer on the ballot for the first time in more than two decades. After his farewell begins in the Brothers Grimm City, which has been independent since Januarya political upheaval that could rearrange the balance of power in city hall. According to information from the town hall, a total of six candidates are running for the highest office in the city.
There are many indications that the race will be decided primarily between two well-known faces: Mayor Maximilian Bieri (SPD) and city councilor Isabelle Hemsley (CDU). Both are in their mid-thirties, both grew up in Hanau and have been members of the magistrate since 2023. In this role they had ample opportunity to make themselves known in the city; According to information from the town hall, Kaminsky deliberately gave them the stage at numerous public meetings.
Despite the election campaign, the tone between the two opponents has so far remained respectful. As part of the city government, Bieri and Hemsley work closely together – as city officials say, the competition for votes has changed little.
The mayor and city councilor are considered successor favorites
Bieri, who holds a doctorate in mathematics and previously worked as a software developer, is responsible as mayor for the education, social affairs, democracy and diversity departments as well as the city's real estate management. According to his own statements, during the election campaign he is primarily campaigning for more affordable housing, equal educational opportunities and a solid budget policy.
Hemsley brings legal and business experience. Before moving to Hanau City Hall, she worked for the technology group and tire manufacturer Continental. In the city government, she is responsible for digitalization, mobility, security, infrastructure and citizen services. During the election campaign, she says she is focusing on more video surveillance, a “complete range of childcare from 0 to 10 years old” and greater use of digital technology in urban development.
Bieri and Hemsley are on the same page on central issues of urban development such as the acquisition of the former Kaufhof property on the market square and the establishment of data centers. According to information from the town hall, both are “pulling together” in these projects. The multi-million dollar conversion project of the Kaufhof area into the new “Stadthof” shopping and leisure center had so far been supported by broad majorities across party lines in the city council.
In addition to the SPD and CDU, the Greens, the FDP, the Left and the Justice Party have also nominated their own candidates for the mayor's office. It remains to be seen whether it will be clear on Sunday who will be at the helm of the town hall in the future. If none of the candidates gets an absolute majority, a runoff election is scheduled for March 29th. The results of the mayoral election as well as trend results from those taking place at the same time Local election The city announces that it will be presented on election evening from 6 p.m. in the Congress Park Hanau (CPH). (with dpa material)
