Emden mourns Erich Bolinius: A resignation with applause!

Emden mourns Erich Bolinius: A resignation with applause!

On September 29, 2025, Emden's local politics reached a striking event: Erich Bolinius, the city's longest-serving councilor, announced his resignation for health reasons. Bolinius, who has an impressive political career spanning 53 years, was unable to attend his final council meeting due to health problems. This was led by Gregor Strelow, the SPD council chairman, who honored Bolinius with warm applause and words of thanks for his years of commitment. Strelow emphasized Bolinius's persistence and tireless commitment to the city and expressed his respect on behalf of the entire council.

The 83-year-old has struggled with health challenges in recent years, including two back operations that have severely limited his ability. At the meeting it became clear that Bolinius was not only an active member of the FDP, but also held numerous positions within the party. One of his most notable achievements is the fact that he once forced the then SPD mayor Alwin Brinkmann into the runoff election, which caused a huge political outcry in the city. His services were ultimately recognized with the Federal Cross of Merit.

A look back at Petkum

Bolinius’ resignation coincides with another important date for Emden: the incorporation of the Petkum district 50 years ago. In 1972, Petkum was incorporated into the city of Emden as part of the Lower Saxony municipal reform. This step was a significant change for the community, which previously belonged to the Leer district. On the occasion of this anniversary, members of the local council at the time, including Bolinius himself, were invited by Mayor Tim Kruithoff to have a leisurely tea drink. This meeting took place on November 23, 2022 in the administration building at Frickensteinplatz.

• Teilnehmer der Feier waren:
• Erich Bolinius
• Bernd Garen
• Take Hülsebus
• Berend Rieckmann
• Thilo Wilts (Vorsitzender des Petkumer Bürgervereins)
• Jasmin Alley (Direktorin des Ostfriesischen Landesmuseums Emden)
• Dr. Rolf Uphoff (Leiter des Stadtarchivs)

The role of geriatric policy

Bolinius' resignation also sheds light on the importance of policy for the elderly, which has a high priority in Germany. Elderly policy aims to strengthen the role and importance of older people in society and has become more important due to demographic change. This policy is important not only for supporting seniors, but also for society as a whole, as older citizens make a valuable contribution. Various initiatives, such as the Federal Association of Senior Citizens' Organizations (BAGSO), advocate for the rights and challenges of older people.

While Erich Bolinius is remembered as an outstanding figure in Emden politics, new faces are now taking on responsibility. Nico Schreitling has moved into the Emden Council as Bolinius' successor and will certainly continue to pursue the challenges associated with senior citizens' policy and contribute to the well-being of the city and its older residents. The resignation of such a politician leaves the question open: How well prepared are we for the challenges of demographic change?

The entire local politics in Emden takes a new course with Bolinius' resignation and the inauguration of his successor. It remains exciting to see how the political landscape will develop.

For more information about Erich Bolinius and his resignation, please read the detailed coverage on NWZ Online, for the incorporation of Petkum on the side of the City of Emden and on senior citizen policy Wikipedia.