Schleswig's Mayor: Kähler vs Schoofs in Runoff

Schleswig is set for a runoff in its mayoral election between two independent candidates: Jonas Kähler, a 30-year-old former city planner, and Wolfgang Schoofs, a 66-year-old ex-head of the local utilities. Neither the SPD nor the CDU has endorsed a candidate.

Kähler, who has previously worked in various departments at the Kiel Ministry of the Interior, is running on an ambitious platform. He aims to make Schleswig climate neutral by 2035, a decade ahead of the federal government's target, while also boosting wealth, jobs, and population. Kähler plans to achieve this by utilising the surplus of renewable energy and attracting small businesses to the city.

Kähler's campaign has gained support from the Greens and a local voters' group. He has presented proposals on issues such as affordable housing and daycare, though the SPD representative noted that neither candidate has a strong social profile. Kähler himself stated, 'I'm running to win. If that doesn't work out, I'll still keep going and try to move things forward in my role as city planner.'

Schoofs, from the Lower Rhine, was involved in an environmental scandal during his time as head of the utilities. Despite this, he is also running as an independent candidate. There is no information available about him in the context of his role as leader of water and wastewater management in Schleswig.

The runoff election in Schleswig will see Kähler's ambitious climate and economic plans pitted against Schoofs' independent candidacy, despite his past involvement in an environmental scandal. The winner will take on the challenge of shaping Schleswig's future.