"Defend Autonomous Local Administration!"
Celebrating 155 Years of Preetz: A Long Journey in Self-Governance
After a brief postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the quaint German town of Preetz finally celebrated its 155-year anniversary on May 23rd, 2023. The momentous occasion, held in the auditorium of the Friedrich-Schiller-Gymnasium, served as a rallying cry for the strengthening of municipal self-government.
Tracing its roots back to the early 13th century, Preetz began as a humble settlement around a Benedictine monastery. Despite centuries under monastic jurisdiction, the town independently developed municipal structures over time, mirroring broader trends across Germany. In 1870, Preetz officially obtained city rights, a significant step in acknowledging its status as more than just a village.
Guest speaker, Dr. Johannes Rosenplanter, shared insights from his dissertation on Preetz's monastery and modern role as the city archivist of Kiel. He highlighted that with city rights, Preetz's autonomous status was officially recognized, a testament to its transformative journey from a rural settlement to a bustling hub. By 1871, the town boasted a population of 5,256, making it the largest in the district and a key junction for roads and railways.
Fast forward to today, municipal self-government stands as a cornerstone of Germany's state structure. However, many municipalities grapple with financial challenges and face tough decisions on preserving services and maintaining democracy. Dr. Rosenplanter cautioned about the erosion of self-government, specifically the loss of "voluntary services" that are integral to municipal functions.
Preetz's Mayor, Tim Brockmann, echoed concerns about the structural underfunding of municipalities, suggesting that addressing this imbalance is crucial for fostering a sense of responsibility and leeway among them. With support from the county commissioner, county president, and civic leaders from its partner city, Stavenhagen, Mayor Brockmann advocated for continued dialogue with the state government to address these issues.
Looking ahead, Preetz continues to embody the spirit of self-governance, navigating contemporary challenges while preserving its rich history and cultural identity.
While records on Preetz's specific trajectory of municipal governance may be limited, the town's evolution mirrors broader tendencies in Schleswig-Holstein and Germany, notably the gradual embrace of democratic self-governance, participatory practices, and subsidiarity principles.
Historical Notes:- Preetze's roots date back to the 13th century as a monastic settlement.- In 1870, Preetz officially received city rights, recognizing its growth and significance from humble beginnings.
Current Challenges:- Financial constraints force many municipalities, including Preetz, to make difficult decisions regarding service provision and preserving democracy.- Balancing demographic changes, such as an aging population, is essential to maintain social services and local identity.- Attracting and retaining younger residents is crucial for maintaining a vibrant, sustainable community.- Meeting modern environmental and safety standards requires upgrading infrastructure, both costly and complex.- Investing in digital services and cybersecurity are vital for efficiency, accessibility, and protecting municipal data and services.
The anniversary celebration in Preetz served as a call to strengthen existing self-government policies and practices, mirroring broader trends in Schleswig-Holstein and Germany. Current challenges for municipalities—such as managing financial constraints, balancing demographic changes, and meeting modern environmental and safety standards— require the adoption of subsidiarity principles and a focus on digital services for efficiency and security.
As Preetz continues to navigate contemporary challenges, it remains essential to maintain dialogue with the state government, like Mayor Brockmann did with support from county commissioners, county presidents, and local leaders, to address the underfunding of municipalities and promote a sustainable future for all.
