Rosenheim's 60-Year CSU Era Ends as New Mayor Takes Office

A political earthquake shakes Bavaria as Rosenheim breaks from tradition. Can a fresh vision reshape this once-conservative stronghold?

, and Administrator

2026 March 23 . 5:02 AM

1 min read

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Rosenheim's 60-Year CSU Era Ends as New Mayor Takes Office

Rosenheim has elected a new mayor for the first time in over six decades. Erdogan Abuzar, the SPD candidate, defeated long-serving incumbent Andreas März from the CSU in a runoff vote. The result marks the end of the CSU's 60-year hold on the city's top political office.

Abuzar won with 53.4 percent of the vote, while März secured 46.6 percent. His campaign centred on social progress, economic growth, and a more open, cosmopolitan vision for Rosenheim. A trained lawyer, Abuzar previously chaired the city's youth council, where he helped shape local youth policies.

The election effort stood out for its strong focus on younger voters. Despite the CSU's continued dominance at the county level—Landrat Otto Lederer won re-election in 2026—Rosenheim's mayoral race reflects broader shifts in Bavarian politics. Cities like Munich and Ingolstadt have also seen similar transitions away from single-party control since the 1960s. The CSU had held Rosenheim's mayoralty since 1961. This loss follows a trend of growing multiparty competition in traditionally conservative strongholds across Bavaria.

The runoff victory hands Abuzar a clear mandate to lead Rosenheim. His policies on youth engagement and social reform will now shape the city's direction. Meanwhile, the CSU retains influence in the wider county, though its long-standing mayoral dominance has come to an end.