Severin Fischer: SPD nomination for Potsdam's mayor!

Severin Fischer: SPD nomination for Potsdam's mayor!

Severin Fischer, the current Secretary of State for Economic Affairs in Berlin, was nominated by the SPD as a candidate for the office of Mayor of Potsdam. This decision was announced on June 28, 2025 and is expected to be officially confirmed at a party conference on July 5. Fischer, who was born in Erlangen and has lived in Berlin since 2008, has a variety of professional backgrounds. Among other things, he was head of the management team in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and headed the Senate Chancellery when Franziska Giffey was governing mayor. Since April 2023 he has been State Secretary in the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Enterprises.

“There is something going on” for the people of Potsdam, because the election of the new mayor will take place on September 21, 2025. If an absolute majority is not achieved in the first round, a runoff election will take place on October 12, 2025. Fischer plans to intensively promote the trust of the people of Potsdam until the election. He describes himself as a balancing character and sees the challenge of becoming mayor as attractive.

The competition for the mayor's office

The political landscape in Potsdam is enlivened by several candidacies. The AfD has nominated Chaled-Uwe Said as its mayoral candidate. In addition, Noosha Aubel, who would like to run as a non-party, and Willo Göpel from the CDU have also announced their candidacies. All nominations must be submitted by July 17, 2025. Anyone who does not have a current seat must submit signatures of support from 112 people.

Fischer is convinced that his experience and his network in the SPD can be beneficial for the election. Over the years he has established himself as efficient and well-connected, while belonging to the pragmatic wing of the SPD. His commitment goes beyond the political realm: As an enthusiastic football referee, he advocates for fair play in sport.

The challenges of Potsdam city politics

In the past, the SPD has provided the mayor of Potsdam since 1990. This could be a decisive turning point in city politics after the deselection of Mike Schubert, who lost in a referendum. Burkhard Exner (SPD) is currently in charge, while Fischer is now taking the opportunity to actively shape the future of Potsdam. With a young son in tow, he will also strive to expand his knowledge of the city.

The upcoming elections are not only a chance for Fischer, but also for the voters in Potsdam to cast their vote and decide in which direction their city should develop. The political tensions and the competition of opinions promise an exciting election campaign that will certainly keep citizens busy.

Further information on the topic can be found at tagesspiegel.de as well as at rbb24.de.