Potsdam chooses: Mike Schubert voted out - end of a controversial era!

Potsdam chooses: Mike Schubert voted out - end of a controversial era!

The Mayor of Potsdam, Mike Schubert (SPD), was voted out on May 25, 2025 by a citizens' decision. In the election, 68.3 percent of the participants voted for his early end of office, while 31.7 percent voted against the election. The turnout was 37.2 percent. These results show a significant rejection of Schubert, which has been in office since 2018 and was criticized due to various allegations and leadership failure.

The description of Schubert was initiated by an application from the BVB/Free voters' parliamentary group after a first election application failed in May 2024 due to a lack of support. The pressure on Schubert has grew in particular since the beginning of 2024, as allegations regarding the release of a blocked lawn for the Potsdam Royals, which led to alleged damage of 450,000 euros. However, these allegations were later classified as unjustified. Nevertheless, Schubert's proximity to the sports clubs and the acceptance of free VIP tickets provided concern among the city council.

leadership failure and political isolation

The criticism of Schubert referred not only to the VIP ticket affair, but also to his leadership style and inadequate services in the citizen service. Citizens reported long waiting times and problems with housing benefit, which contributed in addition to the political isolation of the mayor. While the city council only supported it from the SPD, other factions called for a new beginning.

The public prosecutor's office in Neuruppin had started investigations into acceptance in May 2024. In December 2024, the procedure against Schubert was terminated against editions. He paid 34,000 euros, including 20,000 euros to a non -profit association. Although Schubert contested corruption, he admitted that he had made himself vulnerable. Nevertheless, he rejected a voluntary resignation, even after the backing in the city was waned.

consequences of the deselection

Schubert accepted the result of the citizens' decision and described it as a "expression of democratic will formation". Financial deputy Burkhard Exner (SPD) will now temporarily take over the official business until a new election date is set within five months. Schubert's regular term of office would have ended in autumn 2026.

The deselection of Mike Schubert represents a striking turning point in Potsdam local politics. In the past, there have been several successful election initiatives in Germany, for example in Potsdam 1998 and in Frankfurt/Main 2022. This development raises the question of future political stability and trust in citizens in their elected representatives.

For the city of Potsdam, a phase of upheaval and realignment is now initiated, which brings both challenges and opportunities.

rbb24 that the city council has to deal with the question of the new elections. ZDF emphasizes that the election of a generally growing distrust of the citizens is opposed to political leaders. Süddeutsche Zeitung adds that Schubert's case is exemplary for the challenges in front of which many municipalities in Germany are.