"Alt-OB Franz Haug reinforces CDU candidate Daniel Flemm's support, both physically and spiritually."
In the heart of Germany, the city of Solingen is preparing for a new chapter. Daniel Flemm, a long-time member of the CDU, has been nominated as the party's mayoral candidate, inspired by the city's former mayor, Franz Haug.
Flemm, who joined the CDU at the tender age of 16, has earned the support of Haug due to his impressive personal and professional qualifications. Haug, a successful lawyer, made history when he was elected as Solingen's mayor at the age of 55 in 1999. He served the city with distinction until 2009.
Flemm's vision for Solingen is centred around the development of a new quarter in the southern city centre. This ambitious project encompasses the Südpark, the Old Station, and the planned Omega Quarter. However, the restaurant in the Old Station had to close due to a lack of funds for a news kitchen.
One of Haug's most significant decisions as mayor was his rejection of the 'Cross-Border Leasing' scheme. This practice, where municipalities sold their wastewater canals to foreign investors and leased them back, was rejected after three days of intense negotiations with law firms and economic advisors.
The 'Regionale 2006' initiative provided a significant boost to Solingen's urban development. Around 90% of its funding went to the city, resulting in the largest urban development news in decades. This initiative led to the development of the new neighborhood in the Südpark, the Korkenziehertrasse, the Brückenpark, the new train stations, and the Neumarkt in the city centre.
Flemm believes that the economic development department should be a combined entity, encompassing commercial spaces, economic development, planning, marketing, and tourism. He aims to realign this department as part of his election program.
The city faces several challenges, with around 40% of the employees in the core administration expected to retire in the next five to six years. Additionally, the council is fragmented, making it difficult to bring all factions together for the new mayor.
Flemm emphasises that the new mayor must bring new momentum to the city, retaining and supporting business owners and self-employed individuals. He sees the greatest challenge as restructuring the administration and bringing the city society together.
The city has been unsuccessfully trying to sell the building of the Old Station since 2021. Despite these challenges, Flemm's determination and vision for Solingen's future are clear. As the election approaches, the city eagerly awaits the new direction that Flemm promises to bring.
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