Frankfurt city government reshuffled: CDU returns to power

Frankfurt's city administration has undergone a significant reshuffling, marking the return of the CDU to the city government. This change follows protracted coalition negotiations after the local elections, culminating in the formation of a new governing body.

The first city council meeting after the summer recess saw the dismissal of four key officials, known as 'Dezernenten,' and the election of four new councilors. The newly established coalition is a multi-party alliance involving the CDU, SPD, and the Green party, with the smaller Volt party also included. This arrangement has led to a redistribution of departmental responsibilities among the coalition partners.

Notably, the Green party lost two departments, including the positions of Mayor Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg and Finance Councilor Bastian Bergerhoff. Similarly, the FDP, which had withdrawn from the coalition before the local elections, relinquished two departments: Safety Councilor Annette Rinn and Economic Affairs Councilor Stephanie Wüst. The CDU has claimed these four vacated positions for itself.

Frankfurt's CDU leader, Nils Kößler, has been elected as a mayor and is slated to head the economic affairs department. Susanne Serke is designated as the new city finance councilor, Martin-Benedikt Schäfer will oversee safety and order, and Yannick Schwander will manage mobility and transport. The previous transport councilor, Wolfgang Siefert of the Green party, will transition to the building and real estate department. All other councilors are expected to retain their current portfolios. Mayor Mike Josef of the SPD remains in office.