Teltow on the move: Young people have a say in the mayoral election!

Teltow on the move: Young people have a say in the mayoral election!

On June 24, 2025, things will get hot in Teltow, as the youth advisory board invites you to the first question time with the mayoral candidates. This event will take place on Wednesday afternoon in the Teltow youth club, located at Osdorfer Straße 9. Students from grades 9 to 13 are invited and have the opportunity to address their questions directly to the candidates. Initiated by young people as part of the Hertie Foundation's “Youth Decides” project, this event aims to involve young people from Teltow in the political decision-making processes.

Candidates for the election, which will take place on September 28, 2025, are Claudia Eller-Funke from the SPD and André Freymuth from the CDU, who is also supported by the FDP. While Eller-Funke, who is 55 years old and holds a position as head of department in a federal ministry, has been leading the city council meetings since July 2024, Freymuth is known as a professional soldier and auditor at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Both are city councilors and live in Teltow-Ruhlsdorf.

Event and questions from young people

The event is moderated by representatives of the youth advisory board and lasts two hours. Starts at 3 p.m. The young people of Teltow already have clear ideas and are demanding safer routes to school, a student ticket for local transport and more sports fields. This shows that they don't just want to listen, but also want to actively participate. Such formats could certainly help ensure that the concerns of young people are heard in city politics.

Both candidates have already received their nomination. Further candidates can submit their nominations until the official application deadline on July 24, 2025. Not to forget, the incumbent mayor Thomas Schmidt (SPD) will retire in January 2026 after an impressive 24 years in office.

The electoral system in Teltow

In Germany, the Basic Law regulates local elections. An important point here is that Union citizens residing in Germany are entitled to vote and are eligible to vote. The mayoral elections in Teltow follow this pattern and are determined by local electoral law here. The election time will be from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on September 28, 2025, and if neither candidate receives the required 15 percent of the vote (approximately 3,200 votes out of a total of 21,333 eligible voters), a runoff election must be held on October 12, 2025. Such an election always shapes local political events and can potentially set new trends.

The election committee will decide by August 1, 2025 which election proposals will be accepted. Parties and voter groups that are already represented in the state of Brandenburg are no longer required to submit supporting signatures. So anyone who wants to get on the political stage not only has a voice, but also the opportunity to become part of this exciting time in Teltow.

At a time when political and social issues are becoming more and more topical, Teltow's youth are showing commitment and interest in their city. Whether through the first question time or through their demands, they make it clear: the future will be shaped together. And everyone can look forward to it!

For further information about the election of the city of Teltow and the application modalities, you can visit City of Teltow. The Federal Agency for Civic Education also offers valuable insights into the processes and importance of local elections in Germany. Additional details about the upcoming elections in Teltow can also be found on MAZ Online.