Munich's youngest mayor takes office with bold plans for housing and transport
Dominik Krause has been elected as Munich's new Lord Mayor after winning the runoff vote on Sunday. The 34-year-old took office on 1 November, following a campaign focused on housing, transport reform, and progressive policies. His political journey began over a decade ago, shaped by a defining moment during his civilian service in 2009. Krause's path into politics started in 2009, when he witnessed a neo-Nazi protest targeting a refugee shelter. This experience prompted his activism, leading him to join the Munich is Colorful initiative and later the Green Party. By 2014, at just 24, he won a seat on Munich's city council, initially representing the CSU. He soon rose through the ranks, becoming his party's faction leader in 2016 and later chairing the district committee for Schwabing-Freimann from 2020 to 2024.
While studying physics at the Technical University of Munich, Krause also served as deputy mayor in 2023. His mayoral campaign emphasised bold changes: he pledged to reallocate street space for pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to reduce car dominance. Housing was another key issue, with plans to build 50,000 new homes through densification and converting unused offices. Known for cycling to most appointments, he intends to keep this habit as mayor. Krause has also sparked debate with his views on drug policy. In one interview, he called Oktoberfest the *world's largest open drug scene* and advocated for cannabis decriminalisation. These positions, alongside his transport and housing proposals, set the tone for his leadership.
With 52.4% of the vote, Krause now leads Germany's third-largest city. His administration will focus on expanding cycling infrastructure, increasing affordable housing, and pushing for progressive social policies. The new mayor's approach marks a shift in Munich's priorities, starting with his first day in office on 1 November.
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