The recall of Mike Schubert as Potsdam's mayor has been finalized, setting the stage for a new election on September 21, 2025. A possible runoff is scheduled for October 12. The Election Review Commission confirmed the results with 36,230 votes supporting Schubert's removal, surpassing the necessary quorum. Schubert's term ended due to allegations of corruption and poor governance.
Schubert, mayor since 2018, faced scrutiny over accepting free VIP tickets for sporting events. Following his removal, Burkhard Exner has stepped in to manage mayoral duties until a new mayor is elected in the fall of 2025. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is preparing for the upcoming election, though some potential candidates have declined to run. Notably, Noosha Aubel, a non-partisan city councilor, has emerged as a possible contender.
The political landscape is also shifting in Brandenburg, as notable figures, including Brandenburg's Economic Minister, have expressed disinterest in running for the SPD's candidacy. Meanwhile, in the nearby region of Ostprignitz-Ruppin, the mayoral election in Rheinsberg is set for September 28, with Silke Peitsch of the CDU announcing her candidacy.
These developments highlight a period of political transition and uncertainty for Potsdam and its surrounding areas, as officials and citizens prepare for new leadership. The outcomes of these elections will likely influence the region's political dynamics and governance in the years to come.
