Schwerin’s mayoral race heats up with four candidates vying for leadership

A political shift looms as Schwerin’s voters weigh four distinct visions for the city’s future. Will the SPD hold power, or will a new force rise?

, and Administrator

2025 December 2 . 9:13 AM

1 min read

There are group of people standing. I can see two people handshaking. In the background, I think... — There are group of people standing. I can see two people handshaking. In the background, I think these are the flags hanging to the poles. This looks like a podium with the miles. I think this is a houseplant.

Four Candidates for Mayor's Office in Schwerin - Schwerin’s mayoral race heats up with four candidates vying for leadership

Schwerin will choose a new mayor on April 12. The vote comes after Rico Badenschier, the current mayor from the SPD, announced his departure at the end of the year. Four candidates have already stepped forward to replace him.

The election follows Badenschier’s decision to resign from office. His term officially ends in December, leaving the position open for a successor. The formal deadline for candidate submissions is January 27.

Four contenders have declared their bids so far. Mandy Pfeifer, backed by both the SPD and the Left Party, will run against Sebastian Ehlers of the CDU. Petra Federau from the AfD and independent candidate Heiko Steinmüller have also joined the race.

If no candidate wins more than half the votes in the first round, a runoff will take place two weeks later. This ensures the new mayor secures a clear majority before taking office.

The election will determine Schwerin’s next leader after Badenschier’s exit. Voters will decide between four candidates, with a possible second round if needed. The winner will begin their term once the results are confirmed.