Potsdam votes: Who will bring a breath of fresh air into urban development?

Potsdam votes: Who will bring a breath of fresh air into urban development?

The first round of voting for the mayoral election will take place in Potsdam on Sunday, October 12, 2023. The city is facing major challenges, particularly with regard to the housing shortage, which is considered dramatic despite stagnating population growth. Around 143,000 Potsdam residents are eligible to vote. Mike Schubert (SPD), the previous mayor, was voted out of office on May 25, 2023, paving the way for new leadership. A total of seven candidates are applying for the position, including six men and one woman.

The candidates taking part in the election campaign are:

• Severin Fischer (SPD): Geboren 1983, derzeit Staatssekretär in der Berliner Senatsverwaltung. Fischer möchte den Wohnungsbau ankurbeln und die Verwaltung verbessern.
• Clemens Viehrig (CDU): Geboren 1978, Referatsleiter im Brandenburger Landesministerium für Infrastruktur. Viehrig setzt sich für einen schnelleren Wohnungsbau ein.
• Chaled-Uwe Said (AfD): Geboren 1974, seit 2020 in der Stadtverordnetenversammlung. Said fordert unter anderem die Stärkung des Autoverkehrs.
• Dirk Harder (parteilos, kooperiert mit Die Linke): Geboren 1967, kämpft für soziale Gerechtigkeit und bezahlbare Mieten.
• Michael Reichert (BVB/Freie Wähler): Geboren 1962, hat ein Interesse an kostenlosen Kitas und dem Senken von Baukosten.
• Alexander Wietschel (Die Partei): Geboren 1969, plädiert für ein autofreies Potsdam und die Enteignung großer Wohnungsunternehmen.
• Noosha Aubel (parteilos, unterstützt von mehreren Parteien): Geboren 1975, engagiert sich für Bürgerbeteiligung und einen schnelleren Wohnungsbau.

Growth challenges and construction projects

The upcoming elections come into a context in which the housing shortage in Potsdam is being discussed significantly. So far, only 233 building permits have been issued in the first half of 2025 - a decrease of 40% compared to the previous year. The city is still planning several new building projects in Krampnitz, Golm and Marquardt as well as densification at Schlaatz and Stern. But permits in landscape protection areas and residents' fears are slowing down these activities. More and more citizens are considering questioning the nature of growth in Potsdam: Should new residential areas be created or is cautious growth preferable?

National urban development policy promotes integrated approaches to urban challenges. This includes projects that attempt to improve the cityscape through innovative solutions and sustainable development. The National Urban Development Policy (NSp) is a joint initiative of the federal, state and local governments that supports local levels in overcoming such transformation challenges. In view of the issues surrounding the mayoral election, the NSp is perceived as an important source of inspiration. Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction reported.

Waryn and the runoff election

If no candidate achieves an absolute majority in the first round, a runoff election will be necessary on October 12, 2023 to determine the city's future leadership. Voters are invited to take part in the election talk on September 16, 2025 and to cast their vote. This is an excellent opportunity for citizens to address their concerns directly to the candidates and learn how the potential mayors plan to address the housing crisis and other important issues.

The challenges in Potsdam are diverse and require committed discussion by both politicians and citizens. The coming elections and their results could be decisive for the city's development in the next few years. Further information about the candidates and their goals can be found at rbb24 and the Märkische General.