Former Mayor Steinruck Rejoins the SPD

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2025 December 21 . 11:07 PM

1 min read

In the image we can see there is a red colour double decker bus on the road and its written "City... — In the image we can see there is a red colour double decker bus on the road and its written "City Bus" on it. There is a traffic cone kept on the road and behind there is a hill.

Former Mayor Steinruck Rejoins the SPD - Former Mayor Steinruck Rejoins the SPD

Jutta Steinruck, the outgoing mayor of Ludwigshafen, has officially rejoined the Social Democratic Party (SPD) after a two-year absence. Her return follows months of discussions with Rhineland-Palatinate’s new state premier, Alexander Schweitzer. The move comes as Klaus Blettner of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) prepares to take over as mayor in January 2026.

Steinruck first left the SPD in 2023 after nearly 27 years, citing frustration with what she called the party’s 'political indifference' towards Ludwigshafen’s deep social challenges. The city remains one of Germany’s most heavily indebted municipalities, a key issue during her time in office.

She decided not to run for a second term, paving the way for a mayoral runoff in October. CDU candidate Klaus Blettner defeated the SPD’s Jens Peter Gotter, securing the position. Blettner will formally assume office on January 1, 2026. Steinruck’s return to the SPD took effect on December 1, 2025. From the new year onward, she will serve as a rank-and-file member, stepping back from her previous leadership role.

The change in leadership marks a shift for Ludwigshafen, with Blettner set to address the city’s financial struggles. Steinruck’s decision to rejoin the SPD reflects renewed engagement with the party under Schweitzer’s leadership. Her membership resumes as the city prepares for a new political era.