Claus Kaminsky is retiring after 23 years as Hanau's mayor
Quick Look
- After 23 years in office, Hanau's longest-serving mayor, Claus Kaminsky (SPD), is retiring at the age of 66.
- At a farewell ceremony, city and state representatives honored his work, especially his role during the racist attack on February 19, 2020.
- His successor is 35-year-old Maximilian Bieri (SPD), who won the mayoral runoff election at the end of March.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Claus Kaminsky was mayor of Hanau for 23 years and thus the oldest serving OB in Hesse.
Claus Kaminsky (SPD) was mayor of Hanau for 23 years, making him the longest-serving mayor in Hesse. The 66-year-old is retiring at the end of September. At a farewell party in front of several hundred people, city and state representatives honored his work.
“Claus Kaminsky was the face of this city in good times and bad,” said Hesse’s Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU). Kaminsky was always “honest and authentic” and showed courage and drive.
The Interior Minister particularly emphasized Kaminsky's role in the sixth largest city in Hesse's path to independence and in dealing with the racist attack on February 19, 2020. “The terrible attack was a turning point for all of us,” said Poseck. Kaminsky was also the voice of the people of Hanau during this time of terror and grief, supported the relatives of the victims and did everything to keep the city together in its most difficult hours.
Kaminsky is in office until September 30th. His successor is the current mayor Maximilian Bieri. The 35-year-old Social Democrat won the mayoral runoff election at the end of March.
Open Questions
- What specific projects will Maximilian Bieri prioritize as the new mayor?
- How will the city of Hanau shape the transition to new leadership?
- What honors or awards does Claus Kaminsky receive in connection with his retirement?
