Row over Mayor - but no reason for dismissal - Scandal-Plagued Mayor Viktor Lorenz Holds Office Despite Resignation Demands
Viktor Lorenz, mayor of Appenweier since 2020, remains in office despite repeated calls for his resignation. Allegations against him include staff intimidation, abuse of power, and discrepancies in town hall records. The controversy began with claims of missing whiskey bottles but has since widened. Lorenz won the mayoral election in 2020 with over 53% of the vote. His term is scheduled to run until February 29, 2032. However, by September 2022, the town council had unanimously demanded his resignation.
The initial accusations centred on 50 whiskey bottles allegedly missing from town hall records. An investigation later confirmed only five bottles were unaccounted for. Lorenz denied they were ever lost or stolen.
Further claims emerged of humiliating staff, abusing his position, and altering official documents. In response, the Freiburg Regional Council—the sole authority able to remove him—issued a formal reprimand. It cited 'alcohol-related conduct' that failed to meet the expected standards for a mayor.
A disciplinary complaint was filed, but the district administration dismissed it. They found insufficient grounds for Lorenz’s removal from office. Despite the reprimand and ongoing criticism, Lorenz retains his position. The town council’s resignation call has not led to his departure. His term continues until 2032 unless further action is taken by the Freiburg Regional Council.
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