Eisenhüttenstadt in transition: mayoral election is just around the corner!

Eisenhüttenstadt in transition: mayoral election is just around the corner!

The elections for the mayor's office are imminent in Eisenhüttenstadt. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, citizens are called upon to elect a new mayor. The previous incumbent Frank Balzer from the SPD will not run again after a citizens' initiative to have him voted out in 2023 failed. The mayor of the city that once had a population of 50,000 now faces a voter base of only about 20,000, reflecting concerns about changing demographics and the city's shrinking population. Since reunification, Eisenhüttenstadt's population has decreased by half, and one in seven apartments in the city center is empty. In the new development areas, even high-rise buildings are being demolished, which illustrates the challenge of urban development.

The four candidates running for mayor are all male. Maik Diepold from the AfD focuses on truck traffic and shipping to strengthen the regional economy. Christian Friedrich from the CDU emphasizes the need to support medium-sized businesses and crafts in order to achieve a broader economic position. Marko Henkel from the SPD addresses the issue of security, takes a stand on ghettoization and calls for more social integration and club work. Jens Vowie, as an individual candidate, emphasizes the need for more citizen participation and transparency in the town hall, with regular consultation hours planned.

The role of the steel mill and economic challenges

A central concern of all candidates is the future of the ArcelorMittal steelworks. The economic outlook for this is bleak, as the group recently halted its plans to switch to green steel production. This decision came as a surprise as the planning was already well advanced. The business in Eisenhüttenstadt remains without a clear perspective because the market situation is blocking investments and the group is foregoing government funding. These developments have a direct impact on the local economy and labor market, which are already under pressure.

In addition, the integration of migrants is an urgent issue. The proportion of foreigners in Eisenhüttenstadt is over 10%, which influences the social dynamics within the city. The tight budgets put social projects under pressure and increase the challenges for the city administration in times of change.

Urban development and social issues

Urban development in Germany has undergone a change in recent decades, with the challenges of urban shrinkage increasingly coming into focus. While growing cities are struggling with housing deficits, in Eisenhüttenstadt, as in many smaller cities, securing public services and maintaining social peace are central tasks. Strategies for shrinkage often include the demolition of prefabricated buildings and the strengthening of inner cities.

The challenges associated with demographic change should not be underestimated. Innovative approaches and regional cooperation are necessary to meet the needs of residents and improve living conditions in the city. The political decisions of the coming election play a crucial role. The results of the election will be announced on election night from 6 p.m., with a run-off possibly required on October 12 if no candidate achieves an absolute majority.

Considering the future of Eisenhüttenstadt, economic concepts and social cohesion are needed. The upcoming elections offer the opportunity to provide new impetus for positive development.

For more information and detailed analysis on these topics, see the articles from rbb24, Deutschlandfunk and bpb helpful.