No surprise: the CDU in Leipzig is fielding Michael Weickert as its candidate for the 2027 mayoral election

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There was no ‘Strack-Zimmermann moment’ at the CDU Leipzig nomination meeting on 23 June. The candidate for the 2027 mayoral election was to be chosen at the Alte Handelsbörse. As announced on 2 June, the district executive committee had proposed Michael Weickert, the parliamentary group leader on Leipzig City Council, and the general meeting endorsed this. There were no opposing candidates, so Michael Weickert was the sole name on the ballot paper.

First, however, came the formalities: a video message from Sebastian Gemkow, who had already backed Weickert as a candidate even though the party lists had not yet been finalised. However, as noted above, there remained only one candidate, and Michael Weickert was able to deliver his campaign speech. This, too, was predictable in parts; here are a few quotes:

“After 37 years of Social Democratic government, it is time for us conservatives to take on the responsibility of leading the city council.”

“In 2029, the city of the Peaceful Revolution must not be run by those forces that were on the wrong side of history back then.”

“My aim is not only to revitalise that civic tradition in Leipzig – including that sense of personal responsibility – but also to promote them to the best of our ability from the top of the city council.”

“For me, there are five major issues that will determine our future: security, the economy and transport, housing, social cohesion, and a modern, citizen-focused administration.”

Otherwise, Michael Weickert believes the election campaign will turn ugly, though he attributes this to the other parties.

In any case, the speech went down well with those present; there was applause and, in the end, a vote of 92 per cent in favour. To be precise, 100 votes were cast; with four abstentions, this resulted in 96 valid votes. Eighty-eight eligible voters voted ‘yes’, representing exactly 91.67 per cent.

We spoke to Michael Weickert afterwards.

Mr Weickert, 92 per cent in favour – are you satisfied?
I am very satisfied. I would like to thank the members of the Leipzig CDU for the tremendous support they have shown me today on my journey, on our journey. And now the real work begins.

In your speech, you presented a five-point plan. What is your priority?
My priority for now is that we will refine our election manifesto over the coming weeks and months. The five points I mentioned are: safety and cleanliness, housing, the economy, social cohesion, and a modern, citizen-focused administration. We want to build on that. We want to develop a programme based on that, together with our members. And I think we’re on the right track.

You’ve proposed reducing the number of deputy mayors. We’ve already had one fewer; now you want to cut two – how is that supposed to work?
Of course, this is a process that will take a little longer, as we’ll have to let some terms of office run their course. But the point is that we have a vision of what the city’s leadership should look like in the future, and how it should operate. And it’s not about making cuts for their own sake, but because we want a lean and efficient administration.

You expect the election campaign to get dirty. I’ve spoken to almost all the confirmed candidates; they all want a clean and fair campaign.
Yes, we hear that before every election. I heard the same thing before the 2020 election too. But I’m under no illusions that, when things really get down to brass tacks, people will actually act accordingly. We won’t do that, but I can only say that if it comes to a point where mud is slung at us, we won’t simply bow our heads.

Let’s suppose you were to become Lord Mayor next year. What would be your first priorities, and what would your vision be for 2034?
My first priority would be to reach out to the staff of the city administration. Because that is the most important thing a Lord Mayor needs: the support of his administration. The second step would be to bring the leaders of the city council’s political groups to the table so that we can find a common path through these difficult budget negotiations, with a view to making Leipzig fit for the future. And a first step towards the vision for 2034 would be for us to at least begin planning the second City Tunnel.

In your speech, you said we shouldn’t rely on Berlin and Dresden, but funds for mandatory tasks are still outstanding in both Berlin and Dresden. How would you, as Lord Mayor, deal with this?
It has, after all, become a futile battle to have to state quite clearly that if we are given additional responsibilities, we should also receive the necessary financial resources to fulfil them. I believe that what a Lord Mayor in a city like Leipzig needs, above all, is perseverance – including at federal and state level. But we must also take care of our own budgetary responsibilities.

Mr. Weickert, thank you for speaking with us.
Michael Weickert is currently the eighth candidate for the office of Lord Mayor; he enjoys strong support within his party. We will be speaking to further candidates as the election campaign progresses. We will certainly be speaking to Michael Weickert again.