District election in Gifhorn: Candidates discuss future plans!

District election in Gifhorn: Candidates discuss future plans!

The Gifhorn Business Association (WVGF) invited people to a discussion about the upcoming district elections on September 26, 2025. The two candidates, Telse Dirksmeyer-Vielhauer from the CDU and Philipp Raulfs from the SPD, took part in the event. Opposition representatives from the AfD and BSW were not invited because the WVGF does not want to provide a forum for radical parties. The topics that formed the basis for the discussion were provided to the candidates in advance so that they could fully prepare.

During the discussion, both candidates emphasized their previous experiences in the district council and the good cooperation. Dirksmeyer-Vielhauer emphasized that the Gifhorn district is well positioned and that medium-sized businesses are not overly dependent on Volkswagen AG. This gives the region a certain stability. Your competitor Raulfs, on the other hand, sees the economic situation in the region as being more favorable than its reputation suggests and points to the potential in the northern district.

Focus on infrastructure and reducing bureaucracy

A central topic of the debate was infrastructure. Both candidates called for improvements, particularly with regard to the A39 and the B4. Raulfs spoke specifically about the establishment of new industries, including in the armaments sector, while Dirksmeyer-Vielhauer aimed to reduce duplicate structures in economic development and create clear contact persons.

Another important concern of the candidates was the reduction of bureaucracy and digitalization in order to further strengthen Gifhorn as a business location. Dirksmeyer-Vielhauer announced that in her first 100 days as district administrator, she would focus intensively on improving the road infrastructure and optimizing administrative processes. Raulfs, on the other hand, would also like to focus on the A39, but also strengthen the educational infrastructure.

The opportunities in the future atlas

In a broader context, the Future Atlas sees the Gifhorn district as promising. In the Prognos future atlas, the district ranks 113th out of 400 cities and districts. Raulfs praises the current economic situation and attributes this to Tobias Heilmann, a major supporter of regional development. He is convinced: “A strong economy is the basis for social security, jobs and prosperity.”

Raulfs also plans to intensify economic development after the election. Important aspects are the creation of innovative ideas and the use of renewable energies. Education is also close to his heart: He is in favor of investing in education from daycare to training, which should contribute to equal opportunities for all children and young people.

The discussion between Dirksmeyer-Vielhauer and Raulfs offered voters insights into the views and ideas of the two candidates. However, on this occasion, participants noted that none of the candidates were able to win votes in the debate.