Freiberg elects: Candidates with big visions for the city!

Freiberg elects: Candidates with big visions for the city!

The mayoral elections in Freiberg are coming up on September 28, 2025 and five candidates are taking on the challenges that affect the city and its citizens. In a lively exchange about their goals and visions, they presented their strategies to make Freiberg even more livable.

In these elections, the topics of urban development support, the economy and the quality of life of citizens are of central importance. While the polling stations are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., if no candidate achieves an absolute majority in the first round, a second round is planned for October 26, 2025. Here, a simple majority is enough to enter the town hall.

Candidates and their visions

Christian Pudack, the independent candidate who is supported by the citizens' initiative “Freiberg for All”, the SPD, the Left and the Greens, has clear ideas for the city: “I want to make Freiberg attractive for newcomers and existing residents,” says the head of the Freiberg hospital. He is also planning more intensive cooperation with the TU Bergakademie and would like to improve the city center with cycle paths and more green spaces. However, he sees a gap between desire and feasibility that must be addressed first - especially with regard to the city's budget situation.

As an entrepreneur, Jens Uhlemann from the AfD relies on pragmatic solutions. He not only wants to steer the city through difficult times, but also push forward with the construction of a bypass, create better traffic solutions in the city center and renovate the outdoor swimming pool. “The station renovation must finally be completed,” he clarifies.

With a particular focus on economic development, Phillip Preißler from the Free Voters of Central Saxony states that Freiberg is already on the right track. “I want to make the city more family-friendly,” said the mayor’s office manager, who also wants to attract more tourists and finally complete the world heritage center in the city center.

Steve Ittershagen, the CDU candidate, emphasizes the need for new commercial areas and sound financial management. It is also important to him to bring urban society closer together in order to meet common challenges.

The non-partisan Stefan Krinke, an engineer at the TU Bergakademie, is pursuing a different approach: He wants to improve the city's medical care through funding and optimize local public transport connections. He is also interested in creating a bypass road for heavy goods traffic.

Economy, finance and transport

A common concern of the candidates is the economic stability of Freiberg. It is important to keep the city's finances under control and adjust planned expenses to income. “We have to ensure that investments in urban infrastructure are guaranteed,” emphasizes Steve Ittershagen, pointing out the importance of transport connections for economic development. The rejection of red-green paternalism is another argument that some candidates put forward.

“The promotion of construction activities in streets and buildings must be promoted,” adds Christian Pudack. For him it is just as important that the city center becomes more lively through a concept of cycle paths and green spaces.

The municipal issues run through the election manifesto of all candidates: from the rejection of increases in property and business taxes to the provision of commercial space and support for retail through events. Creating safe and clean living spaces is also a priority.

Given the diverse ideas of the candidates, it will be exciting to see how the citizens of Freiberg decide on election day. The election could not only determine the city's course, but also strengthen community cohesion.

For further information about the elections and the candidates, those interested can read the articles on MDR Saxony and Steiger Freiberg read up.