Council member Markus Lewe leaves with emphasis on communal policy as a fundamental pillar of democracy
Münster's Mayor Markus Lewe Steps Down After 16 Years in Office
Markus Lewe, the long-serving Mayor of Münster, has announced that he will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal elections on September 14. After serving the city for 16 years, Lewe's final council meeting as Mayor took place on September 3.
Lewe, who has been in office since October 21, 2009, has been praised for his dedication and commitment to the common good. In his final address, he thanked the administration, particularly the Office for Citizen and Council Services, for their hard work, calling them the "precision clockwork behind the scenes of democratic daily life."
The municipal elections will see several candidates vying for the position, including Tilman Fuchs (Green Party), Georg Lunemann (CDU), Stephan Brinktrine (SPD), Katharina Martinewski (Left Party), and Maren Berkenheide (Volt). According to the latest polls, Fuchs leads with about 41.3%, with Lunemann following closely behind with around 37.3%. With both candidates securing a significant portion of the votes, a runoff election is scheduled for September 28, 2025.
In his farewell address, Lewe expressed confidence that the council members will make decisions that will move Münster forward in the coming years. He considered local politics to be a democratic basic provision, close, concrete, and irreplaceable. Lewe also praised the voluntary commitment to the common good in local politics, stating that it is essential for the success of the city.
Despite stepping down, Lewe remains optimistic about Münster's future. He mentioned that challenges such as climate change, affordable housing, migration, integration, skilled labor shortages, and digitization will not be solved by local politics alone in the future. However, he emphasized the importance of local politics in addressing these issues and shaping the city's future.
Lewe was re-elected as Mayor in 2015 and 2020, and during his tenure, he has been the representative of the city, head of the administration, and chairman of the council. He has thanked the council members for their positive cooperation over the past 16 years, expressing gratitude for their support and dedication to Münster.
Until November 1, 2025, Lewe will remain in office as Mayor, ensuring a smooth transition for the incoming Mayor. As he steps down, Lewe leaves behind a legacy of dedication, commitment, and service to the city of Münster. His contributions will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
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