2027 Mayoral Election: The Greens want to see Wolfram Günther in the Town Hall + Video

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Although the outcome of the Saxony-Anhalt state election was a recurring theme in all the speeches delivered on Tuesday evening at the Heilandskirche in Plagwitz, the Leipzig Alliance of the Greens do not wish to remain in its shadow. All the speakers made it clear: we want a Green Lord Mayor, and that person will be Wolfram Günther. The 140 members present responded with a standing ovation and a fantastic result in the election.

We had already interviewed Wolfram Günther on 19 August about his candidacy, so today I’ll just share a few brief impressions from the nomination meeting. A note in advance: the nomination meeting took place at the Westkreuz Community Centre, i.e. the Heilandskirche in Plagwitz. I promised the city association that I would refrain from making any stylistic connections between ‘Heiland’ and the mayoral candidate.

The atmosphere at the Heilandskirche is certainly just right. Photo: Thomas Köhler

Vicki Felthaus had already made it clear in her opening speech what this is all about.

“Ultimately, people don’t expect us to have a perfect policy, nor do they expect us to fulfil every wish. They expect us to do our job. That requires two things: conviction and the ability to take action. Listening, forging compromises, developing solutions. Not charging headlong into things and not promising anything that is simply unworkable. That is the sort of politics we need in Leipzig. And for that, dear Wolfram, you are the right person. That is why this nomination meeting is more than just the selection of a candidate. It is democracy in action, and we are giving the people of Leipzig a genuine choice.

We want a city that takes its problems seriously and solves them, that invests and brings people together, that is cosmopolitan and economically strong. And yes, these things go hand in hand. A culturally diverse city where all generations feel at home. A climate-just city. With more green spaces and shade, safe routes, affordable climate-friendly transport and affordable housing. With climate protection that focuses particularly on those with little money who suffer most from the consequences of the climate crisis. A city that supports its people and does not treat them as the problem.”

Vicki Felthaus, Thomas Dienberg and Wolfgang Günther in conversation. Photo: Thomas Köhler

Kristina Weyh, leader of the Green Party group on the city council, stated:

“What Mr Jung lacks – because he’s simply letting most things run their course – is the courage to make decisions and to embody a modern leadership culture internally. We need a change there, and we actually need a fresh start. But what is also needed is not just our ability to strike a balance, forge alliances and see people. What is also needed is a vision for Leipzig. A vision for the necessary change.”

Following this introduction and a few formalities, Wolfram Günther, who had no opposing candidate, took the floor. You can watch his campaign speech in the video; here are just a few brief extracts.

On the subject of the Cappa-Wäldchen, Günther said: “There must never be a free-for-all of private profit-maximisation at the expense of the public good; the needs of the public set the framework. Between social, environmental and economic considerations, there is no ‘either/or’, but rather a very strong ‘and’.”

“We must fight with all our might against attitudes that show contempt for human dignity; they must have no place in our city. We must discuss issues of distribution and justice without resorting to class-warfare rhetoric. We must ensure that the diversity of legitimate interests and perspectives is genuinely heard and seen. Different realities of life, backgrounds, social milieus and also the diversity of all the city’s neighbourhoods are a source of richness for this city.”

He concludes: “Together, we can win this election. We are the alternative to the AfD with its exclusion, its hatred of everything foreign, its malice, and its denial of climate change. We represent an alternative for very broad sections of society who want real solutions to the challenges of the future and who want to get involved themselves. What unites us all here in this room is the belief that the future can be good – indeed, truly wonderful – even in Saxony-Anhalt. And I am convinced that a great many people in this city want that too. That is why, for the first time, we have a real chance of electing a Lord Mayor from our own ranks for this city – the largest city in Saxony and in the east. And we can make that happen now. And that is precisely why I am standing for election here before you.”

The speech was repeatedly interrupted by applause from those present, and at the end there was a standing ovation. Wolfram Günther had the assembly completely on his side. He also answered the questions put to him with confidence.

The actual election dragged on; there were some remarks from the district executive committee regarding the election campaign, followed by a short break.

Then the moment arrived: the electoral commission announced the result. 140 votes cast, all valid; 136 votes for Wolfram Günther and 4 abstentions. To thunderous applause, Wolfram Günther accepted the election.

We subsequently asked Wolfram Günther for a brief interview.

Four members of the Leipzig Alliance 90/The Greens also shared their views on the election result with us.

Conclusion
: The Alliance 90/The Greens want to see Wolfram Günther as Lord Mayor; he himself has clearly communicated his ambitions. With the confirmation by the general meeting, he is now the ninth officially nominated candidate. Fabian Schmidt for the Humanists, Falk Fiebig for Volt and independent candidates such as Lars Kulesch and, in all likelihood, Ralf Kohl still need to collect the required number of supporting signatures.

We will speak to the candidates again, at the latest, during the crucial phase of the election campaign.