Mayoral duel in Luckenwalde: Candidates tackle explosive issues!

Mayoral duel in Luckenwalde: Candidates tackle explosive issues!

The mayoral election in Luckenwalde is already casting its shadow. On August 28, 2025, an exciting MAZ election forum took place in the biotechnology park, at which eight candidates presented themselves to the public. Almost 250 guests came to find out the applicants' positions and get an idea of ​​their commitment to the city. The election date has now been set: elections will take place on September 28, 2025.

The evening in the biotechnology park was characterized by a wide range of topics that the candidates were able to discuss during the forum. Moderated by MAZ journalists, all participants were given just one minute to answer the guests' questions, which led to a lively exchange. The focus was on urgent concerns such as climate change, right-wing extremism and financial issues that are central to the city's future development.

Climate change in focus

Climate change was named as a major problem for Luckenwalde by seven of the eight candidates. Olaf Wendel (independent) highlighted the need to rely on renewable energies and green the city, while Gordon Roth from “Together for Luckenwalde” denounced the sealing of urban areas and advocated for better use of green areas. In contrast, Jan-Hendrik Klaps from the AfD doubted the existence of a climate problem and referred to historical CO₂ values. This discussion reflects a similar development to that in other cities, for example in Lübeck, where the municipal heating plan is intended to control the heat transition and climate neutrality is aimed for by 2040.

An integrated climate protection and energy concept was developed in Luckenwalde between May 2012 and summer 2013, which was funded by the federal climate protection initiative. It remains to be seen whether the new mayoral candidates will pursue similar approaches to making the city fit for the future. In a context in which the city is also grappling with the effects of rising operating costs, the opportunities for sustainable conversion are particularly great.

Finance and urban development

Another central topic of the debate was the city's financial situation. While Jochen Neumann and Olaf Wendel advocated investments in order to create future prospects, Jan-Hendrik Klaps is pursuing a different plan: less spending by foregoing company cars and promoting privatization. This proposal was met with skepticism by other candidates, such as Gordon Roth, who would prefer to have the municipal daycare centers under municipal ownership.

The topic of urban development was also touched upon. The candidates agreed that some ruins, such as those at Netto Market, should not escape demolition. While Felix Menzel from the CDU philosophized and addressed “limits in people’s minds,” Jochen Neumann criticized the polarization and advocated redesigning instead of tearing it down. The evening made it clear that many candidates have a good knack for a city in transition.

Given the ongoing discussions about climate protection and urban development in Luckenwalde, it remains to be seen what direction the new city leadership will take. Citizens have the opportunity to cast their vote and decide how the city should develop in the coming years. As the candidates continue to present their positions, the public eagerly awaits the election date.

The entire forum is available online so that those interested have the chance to see for themselves. If they have any questions about climate protection or urban development, citizens can also contact the city planning office, which is constantly working on projects to promote renewable energies.