CDU Retains Düsseldorf, SPD Wins Duisburg; Dortmund Ends SPD's 80-Year Rule
Stephan Keller of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has retained his position as Mayor of Düsseldorf, securing 60.45% of the vote and defeating Green candidate Clara Gerlach. Meanwhile, in other mayoral elections across Germany, the SPD's Sören Link won in Duisburg, Andrea Henze became the new Mayor of Gelsenkirchen, and Alexander Omar Kalouti (CDU) ended the SPD's long-standing rule in Dortmund.
In Düsseldorf, Keller's victory marks a continuation of the CDU's leadership in the city. Keller has been the Mayor since 2014 and has now secured a third term. His victory comes despite a strong challenge from the Greens, who have been gaining traction in recent local elections.
In Duisburg, Sören Link of the SPD won the mayoral election with an overwhelming 78.6% of the vote. This victory comes as the SPD looks to regain ground after recent electoral setbacks. Link's victory was helped by a low turnout, with only 37.6% of eligible voters casting their ballots.
Gelsenkirchen saw Andrea Henze elected as its new Mayor with 66.9% of the vote. Henze, who is not affiliated with any political party, ran on an independent ticket and campaigned on a platform of unity and change. Her victory ends the SPD's 20-year rule in the city.
In Dortmund, the SPD's almost 80-year continuous rule has come to an end. Alexander Omar Kalouti of the CDU will be the city's first CDU mayor after defeating incumbent Thomas Westphal (SPD) with 52.92% of the vote. Kalouti will take office in November 2025.
The AfD's performance in these elections varied. Norbert Emmerich received 26,511 votes in Gelsenkirchen, while Carsten Groß received 33,079 votes in Duisburg. In Hagen, Michael Eiche (AfD) improved his result by seven percentage points but still lost significantly to Dennis Rehbein (CDU), who won the runoff with 71.7% of the vote.
These mayoral elections mark significant changes in the political landscape of several German cities. The SPD's long-standing rule in Dortmund has ended, and the CDU has retained its leadership in Düsseldorf. The Greens and the AfD have also made their marks, with the Greens challenging the CDU in Düsseldorf and the AfD securing notable vote counts in Gelsenkirchen and Duisburg.
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