Struggles in Local Administration: Exploring Why Mayorship is Often Considered a 'Favorable Position'
Sharing Platforms
⚡️Share on WhatsApp⚡️ 🌐Share on Facebook📨Share via Email💬Short Message Service X
The government has mandated that municipalities foot the bill, similar to full-day childcare provision, states Michael Salomo (SPD), now the mayor of Heidenheim an der Brenz. This needs a shake-up.
Since August 1, 2013, there's been a legal claim to full-day care offers for children from the first year of life. This doesn't even scratch the surface of municipal politics challenges.
Michael Salomo (SPD), Germany's youngest full-time mayor at twenty-five, is well-acquainted with these hurdles. He served as mayor in Haßmersheim (Neckar-Odenwald district) from 2014 to 2021 before moving to Heidenheim an der Brenz. The 36-year-old is a co-founder and federal chairman of the "Young Mayors Network", where their annual conference is taking place in Berlin on Wednesday and Thursday.
Our website's moderator, Jonathan Hadem, chatted with Michael Salomo.
What's Different Between Young and Old Mayors?
Michael Salomo: The main differences between experienced and younger colleagues revolve around prioritization. Topics like digitization or succession management are dealt with differently. For example, by 2030, there will be a total of 1.1 million skilled workers missing in the public sector. Newcomers face the reality of completely different pressure compared to those preparing to retire in two years.
You're the Final Link in the Chain...
Salomo: Being mayor is one of the most rewarding jobs because you work directly with people and see projects unfold. In contrast, federal-level work often involves abstract regulations, like setting a goal to build 2,000 wind turbines in Germany. But at the local level, it's tangible—from planning participation processes to constructing the wind turbine. I wouldn't trade that for anything. I've experienced both levels, and I wouldn't want to miss out on being mayor.
The "Young Mayors Network" Survey...
Salomo: The job is demanding due to the sheer volume of responsibilities. Local governments interact with citizens at every life stage—from register offices to kindergartens, schools, streets, hospitals, and entire infrastructures. As our republic ages, many renovations are needed, alongside dwindling resources and a lack of skilled workers. Add in changing industry dynamics and population demands, and it makes for a very diverse workload.
Dealing with Harassment and Violence?
(No further text provided in the original)
Salomo: During the first refugee crisis (precipitated by then Chancellor Angela Merkel in the summer of 2015, note by the editor), citizens in Haßmersheim expressed their displeasure over receiving over 200 black African refugees. Some cars were damaged, and my email inbox received some unpleasant messages. More serious cases have been reported in the network, such as pig heads left on doorsteps or gallows concreted into gardens. These instances have strayed far beyond the democratic realm.
Do You Ever Feel Gratitude in Your Job?
Salomo: Absolutely. In fact, I'd say gratitude is more common than attacks. People understand the importance of the municipality functioning smoothly. The beauty of being part of the Young Mayors Network is rallying with our colleagues in Berlin, where high-profile officials like the Chancellor's Minister and State Secretaries from the Federal President's Office pay us a visit. It's essential we provide them with feedback on local issues.
The Federal & State Governments' Responsibilities
A big challenge is the costs. The federal and state governments have push forth numerous regulations that the municipality must implement and fund. According to Article 104a of the Basic Law, "whoever orders, pays." This principle applies to daycare centers as well. Relieving tensions in municipal budgets would be possible if the federal and state governments finally owned up to their responsibilities.
What Young Politicians Need to Succeed
Salomo: Endurance and great listening skills. Persistence is crucial, as they must see projects through until completion. Citizens may not see much progress during the planning and tender phases, but the joy is immense when projects are completed.
In the context of the policymaking landscape, young mayors, such as Michael Salomo, often prioritize differently from their more experienced counterparts, emphasizing digitization and succession management. The responsibilities of local governments, as the final link between the federal government's legislations and citizens' needs, are diverse and demanding, including dealing with issues like aging infrastructure, dwindling resources, and changing population demands.
