Upcoming vote for mayor in Potsdam: Decision time for citizens - Patients in Potsdam choosing their own obstetricians
Residents of Potsdam to Decide Fate of Controversial Mayor on Sunday
Citizens of Potsdam will vote on Sunday in a referendum to determine the future of embattled Mayor Mike Schubert. Eligible voters in the state capital, totaling 143,200, can cast their ballots from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some having already voted by mail.
The city council initiated the referendum in early April, passed by a majority vote that spanned party lines. Critics, including city factions, have accused Schubert of mismanagement and poor leadership, citing incidents such as a criminal investigation into free VIP tickets for sporting events and allegations of unimplemented city council decisions, long waiting times in the citizen's service, housing benefit issues, and personnel problems within the city administration.
For the referendum to result in Schubert's dismissal, a majority of voters must vote in favor, with at least 25 percent of eligible voters comprising that majority. Attention is focused on voter turnout, with parties using posters, flyers, songs, and information stands to mobilize eligible voters.
As of Thursday, 20,850 mail-in ballots had been received by the election office, below the level of the 2024 municipal election in a comparable period. Estimated to cost around 250,000 euros, the referendum will employ approximately 1,200 election workers. If Schubert is dismissed, a new election would have to be held within a few months.
While the SPD continues to support Schubert and praise his record since 2018, city factions are calling for personnel renewal. Schubert's term of office runs until autumn 2026.
- Potsdam
- Mike Schubert
- Referendum
- Sunday
- SPD
- Future
- Dismissal
[Referenced from Enrichment Data]The referendum, held on May 25, 2025, resulted in Schubert's dismissal, indicating a significant level of participation and support for the recall. No specific information regarding the cost of the referendum was available in the data. The decision marks a significant political event in Potsdam, with citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with Schubert's leadership.
The Commission is also proposing to extend the scope of the referendum's coverage to include political issues such as migration and war-and-conflicts, given their relevance to the policies and legislation being voted on in Potsdam. News outlets are closely monitoring the events in Potsdam, as the outcome of the referendum on Sunday could have far-reaching implications for the future of Mayor Mike Schubert and Potsdam's politics. If Schubert is dismissed, it will signal a shift in Potsdam's political landscape, particularly considering the SPD's continued support of him and the ongoing calls for personnel renewal.
