Municipalities: Volunteer mayors worry about successors

Are Germany’s municipalities running out of volunteer mayors? At least many current office holders have this concern. In a Forsa survey for the Körber Foundation, 71 percent of the 1,549 respondents stated that their municipality was facing a “young generation problem.” Only 22 percent were of the opinion that there were enough suitable people interested in the task. 33 percent of those surveyed said they would not run for office again – most cited age reasons. However, 51 percent want to run again.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wants to exchange ideas with around 80 volunteer mayors in Berlin today. According to the Körber Foundation, there are more than 6,000 of them nationwide.

The volunteer mayors see the implementation of measures as part of the energy transition (89 percent) as a major or even very major challenge. A close second is concern about a lack of budget funds (86 percent). 63 percent rated their community’s financial situation as less good or bad. The admission of refugees, which puts a strain on many municipalities, comes in sixth place at 58 percent.

Half are dissatisfied with the general conditions

The survey does not provide a clear picture of satisfaction with the general conditions for volunteer work. 49 percent were somewhat or very satisfied, 50 percent somewhat or very dissatisfied.

The vast majority of those surveyed feel strongly or very strongly recognized and valued by the citizens and their local council (83 percent each). At 14 percent, however, the perceived appreciation from the respective state government is poor, and recognition from the media is also low at 28 percent.