Sebastian Ehlers is running: A new mayor for Schwerin?

Sebastian Ehlers is running: A new mayor for Schwerin?

A significant political change is imminent in Schwerin: City President Sebastian Ehlers has announced his candidacy for mayor. The 43-year-old, who grew up and lives in the state capital, received unanimous support from the CDU. His party colleagues nominated him on Thursday evening, reaffirming their trust in his ability to overcome the city's challenges. Ehlers himself emphasizes that it is important to him to take responsibility for his hometown and to contribute his political experience. “I would like to put the interests of all Schwerin residents first,” he says in an interview, as [Ostsee-Zeitung](https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/Schwerin/sebastian-ehlers-will-Schwerins-ob- Werden-will-fuer-meine-heimatstadt-verkehrung-uebermachen-DTYOQIDBMJFRPM6OWKPY4N23EM.html) reports.

Before his candidacy, Ehlers had been a member of the city council since 2004 and has made a name for himself as city president since 2019. He has also been working in the state parliament since 2016, where he is the parliamentary managing director of the CDU state parliamentary group. Despite a tempting ministerial post that was offered to him, Ehlers decided to run for mayor in order to succeed the outgoing mayor Rico Badenschier (SPD), who is resigning from office on December 31st after only two years in office and with only eight of 45 seats in the city council [NDR].

Candidacy with support

The political landscape in Schwerin is becoming exciting: Ehlers wants to consciously separate his election campaign from his duties as mayor. It is being considered whether he will enter the race as a pure CDU candidate or possibly receive support from other factions. Local political circles are showing sympathy for a “big solution” to counteract a possible AfD candidate. The SPD is also planning to put forward its own candidate, which will make the competitive situation even more intense.

In recent weeks, Ehlers has had numerous conversations with citizens who have encouraged him to run for office. The aim is to improve coexistence in the city and to have an open ear for all sections of the population. “I see it as my job to set the priorities where it is necessary,” emphasizes the mayor.

Election date still open

The date for the mayoral election is still pending; However, the possibility of an election date in spring 2024 is being discussed. The CDU district executive board plans to confirm Ehlers' final nomination at a general meeting on November 21st. Citizens can also prepare for an exciting race: The AfD plans to announce its candidate on November 15th, while the SPD is in its internal negotiations, as [Nordkurier](https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/Schwerin/stadtpraesident-sebastian-ehlers-will-oberbuergermeister- Werden-4017770) reports.

The political waves are high and the people of Schwerin can be excited to see in which direction the city will develop. With Ehlers at the helm, a breath of fresh air could develop - but the competition never sleeps.