Controversial resignation in the municipality following allegations of racial bias
In the small town of Vöhringen, located in the Rottweil district of Baden-Württemberg, Mayor Stefan Hammer is facing calls for his resignation following allegations of racially insensitive remarks. The controversy, which has sparked public and political criticism, stems from an incident in early July during a parking dispute.
Mayor Hammer, who has been in office since 2007 and was re-elected in 2022 with nearly 75% of the votes, made a statement following the allegations. In the statement, published in the "Schwarzwälder Bote", he expressed regret for his choice of words, describing his behaviour as an "emotional outburst". However, he maintains that his statements did not reflect his personal stance.
The allegations, which were reportedly recorded by a camera, include the mayor telling a Turkish-origin business family, "We are in Germany here - there are laws that you also have to follow", "if you don't like it, go back", "you want to buy a property? Buy one in Turkey". The Turkish community in Baden-Württemberg has demanded the mayor's resignation, accusing him of deep-seated racism.
The Vöhringen council has distanced itself from Mayor Hammer's remarks, stating that discrimination, exclusion, and insulting statements have no place in their community. However, the statement does not address the allegations of racism against the mayor or his previous apology for his behaviour.
As of the latest information available, Mayor Hammer has not resigned. He declined to comment on the resignation calls, citing his previous statement and asking for understanding. The next steps in the matter are still under discussion by the Vöhringen council, and no set date for a decision has been announced.
The incident has become a topic of local debate, with some community members and political opponents continuing to demand the mayor's resignation, while others support him. Vöhringen, with approximately 4,500 inhabitants, is a close-knit community, and the controversy has left many residents divided.
Mayor Hammer mentioned that he had a respectful conversation with the family after the incident and insists that his statements did not reflect his personal stance. The situation remains a contentious issue, with many hoping for a resolution that upholds the values of inclusivity and respect.
Amidst the ongoing controversy, the general-news in Vöhringen is dominated by discussions about Mayor Hammer's future, as calls for his resignation persist due to the racially insensitive remarks he made. In the realm of politics, both local and Turkish communities are actively engaging in debates about crime-and-justice, with the Mayor's case serving as a pivotal point.
