New candidate for Potsdam Mayor: Dirk Harder von Die Linke!

New candidate for Potsdam Mayor: Dirk Harder von Die Linke!

Potsdam, Deutschland - On September 21, 2025, the time has come: Potsdam chooses a new mayor. After the deselection of Mike Schubert (SPD) - a decision that is based on violent criticism of his leadership style and in connection with a corruption affair - a race for successor is now beginning. With the choice, exciting times are imminent and it will show who can lead the city into the future.

A new applicant has entered the stage: Dirk Harder, independent, is said to compete for the left. Harder was born in Potsdam in 1967 and has a lot of experience. Before 1990 he was active in youth work, is currently heading the Workers' Welfare (AWO) Potsdam and sits in the city's youth welfare committee. The district association will take place on Saturday. But he is not the only one who applies for the office: a total of five candidates and a candidate are already in the race.

The competitors at a glance

Who are the other challengers? The SPD has nominated Severin Fischer, who, as State Secretary in Berlin, already has a look outside the box, but has no direct connection to Potsdam. Willo Göpel is sent to the race by the CDU, an experienced parliamentary group leader who sees himself as a bourgeois alternative. The AfD has also set up a candidate with Chaled-Uwe Said, while Noosha Aubel, explicit support from the Greens, is running again as a non-partisan of former deputy for education and culture. Jörn Karlipp competes as a single applicant. The application deadline ends on July 17, which leaves the parties little time to place their favorite candidates.

important topics of choice

What does the new mayor make up for? The challenges are huge. There are allegations of corruption, a crashed budget surplus and party -internal dispute in the city parliament. In particular, education, affordable living, social participation and a functioning administration are the central topics that are important to the Potsdamers. In a city that counts more than 190,000 inhabitants and is led by a city council with representatives from twelve different parties, it depends on the right course.

The financial situation of the city should not be underestimated. Around 30 million euros are necessary for the years 2025 and 2026. Creative solutions are needed in such an environment - and the Potsdam voters could also expect this from their new mayor.

Potsdam will again adjust his political direction. The local elections not only offer a way to change, but also show how the political system in Germany works. Most of the voters will be willing to support smaller parties and citizens' initiatives, which could further strengthen the diversity in the city parliament. If you look at the public discussion culture, it is clear that there is a lot in the air and it remains exciting which topics and personalities will ultimately be ahead.

The voting for the election will take place on September 21, and the Potsdamers are asked to stand up for their city and their future with their voice. It is to be hoped that the voters will go to the urn, because the trends of the local elections show that there is still a lot of space for movement.

For further information about the candidates and the election itself, the corresponding reports can be found here: rbb24 , Merkur online and Federal Center for Political Education .