Mayor of Riederich moves on: Tobias Pokrop is heading to Rutesheim

Michael Pokrop, the long-serving mayor of Riederich, is now setting his sights on a new role. After 13 years leading the small town, he has applied for the mayoral position in Rutesheim—a much larger municipality. The 48-year-old brings extensive experience in local government to his latest challenge.

Pokrop first arrived in Riederich in 2006 as the town’s treasurer. Before that, he worked as deputy financial officer for the municipality of Aichwald from 2002. His political career took off when he was elected mayor of Riederich in 2013, a position he held for over a decade.

Born and raised in Süßen in the Göppingen district, Pokrop studied public administration. His leadership in Riederich was reaffirmed in December 2020 when residents re-elected him for a second term. Now, he feels ready for a fresh challenge in Rutesheim, a town of around 11,000 people—nearly three times larger than Riederich. Pokrop has spoken openly about his admiration for Rutesheim. The town’s lively centre, diverse shops, and range of restaurants have particularly caught his attention. His decision to run reflects both professional ambition and personal interest in the community.

Pokrop’s candidacy marks a shift from leading a small municipality to overseeing a much bigger one. If elected, he will bring years of financial and administrative experience to Rutesheim. The outcome of his application will determine whether his next chapter unfolds in the larger town.