On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Hamburg will hold its Bürgerschaftswahl, deciding the future of the city and the parties leading it over the next five years. With 1.3 million eligible voters, the stakes could not be higher. The election's outcomes may shape the political direction of the city-state, with current Mayor Peter Tschentscher of the SPD hoping to maintain his leadership amid strong competition from candidates like Katharina Fegebank of the Greens and Dennis Thering from the CDU.
Each candidate has unique stories to tell, adding personality to the political race. Tschentscher, known not only for his role as mayor but also for his background as a physician, reflects on growing up as one of four boys in the Bremen district of Osterholz-Tenever. He has emphasized his commitment to community well-being during his campaign. "I have always believed music and health are intertwined," Tschentscher remarked, mentioning his love for classical composers like Bach and Beethoven.
Fegebank, who is currently the Second Mayor, brings her passion for football to the forefront, as she is known to be an ardent supporter of Werder Bremen. "I initially wanted to be a sports reporter, often practicing with my childhood microphone, imagining myself introducing line-ups before matches!" she shared. Her experiences have shaped her focus on social issues, including housing and urban development.
Meanwhile, CDU candidate Thering presents himself as the dark horse of the race. Though he once aspired to be a professional football goalkeeper, injuries derailed those plans. He now channels his energies toward family life, where he maintains his personal mini-zoo at home, complete with fish, chickens, and even turtles. "It's my childhood dream come true!" he exclaimed, linking his love for animals to his vision for legislation supporting local environments.
The campaign intensifies as parties work to build their platforms. Each candidate faces not only the potential of new coalitions but also the looming challenges posed by the Left party, which has experienced a resurgence as seen during the recent Bundestagswahl, where they secured gains and threatened to siphon votes from the Greens. Kathi Fegebank has voiced her concerns, stating, "If we collectively wake up to a grand coalition with the SPD and CDU, we risk entrenching stagnation rather than progress."
Recent polls show Tschentscher’s SPD currently at 32%, with the Greens and CDU closely trailing at 18% and 17% respectively. Considering the significance of these statistics, Tschentscher's stance raises eyebrows, especially when discussing housing policies where he firmly states, "The CDU has historically hindered urban development efforts. You cannot expect progress if the commitment isn't there!" His willingness to maintain partnerships with Greens reflects his strategy to continue fostering sustainable urban policies.
Considering the election dynamics, the concern among Greens about losing ground to the Left party is palpable. Recent surveys indicate significant shifts among former Green voters. The candidates are making it clear; the stakes involve not just policies but also the future unity and direction of Hamburg's governance. "We have increasingly seen issues like climate concern overshadowed by party dissatisfaction, and our response must be quicker and more effective," Fegebank articulated. Her focus on affordable housing remains pivotal, as she advocates for bolstered tenant protections and continued investments.
The political battleground is becoming more intense, underscoring the candidates' contrasting visions for the city. With debates and forums already signaling the tone for the debates to come, Thering's remarks find him standing apart from other candidates, committed to preventing any coalition with the Greens. His focus remains on building negotiations with SPD on specific issues like housing:" We need action, not just words!"
The public discourse surrounding the upcoming election suggests high engagement rates, where voters are eager to learn about their candidates' views and values. Candidates face scrutiny not only of their political records but also their personal narratives, which reveal broader contexts about their motivations and aspirations for the city.
Particularly among young voters, discussions about climate change and urban development resonate highly. Cansu Özdemir from the Left party, who shared about her challenging upbringing as part of a Kurdish family, emphasized her dedication to social justice. "For me, fixing systemic issues of inequality is the foundation of our political focus," she insisted, calling for awareness about broader social stakes.
Guests from various segments of Hamburg society hope for clarity post-election, with some yearning for stability during uncertain times. "We need leaders who genuinely understand the multifaceted issues cities face today," said local business owner Markus Fischer. Discussions about affordable housing, public transport improvements, and environmental stewardship emerge as core needs amid what many view as potentially transformative elections.
Win or lose, the voices heard during this election will shape Hamburg's storyline for the near future and perhaps beyond. By early next week, voters will have their ballots cast, and strategies laid bare for the world to see, possibly ushering the city toward renewal or continued stability under familiar leaders.
Ahead of the polls, it’s evident: the residents are hungry for change and willing to listen closely to what their leaders present as the way forward. Sunday's ballot will be more than just decision-making; it will be reflective of hopes and ambitions for Hamburg – the city they call home.