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Schwetzingen mayor calls council’s abrupt change undemocratic and politically driven

A beloved mayor fights back after a sudden, controversial change strips her of power. Is this a blow to democracy—or just politics as usual?

, and Administrator

2025 November 5 . 11:18 PM

1 min read

This picture is clicked outside the city. Here, we see many people walking on the road. The man in... — This picture is clicked outside the city. Here, we see many people walking on the road. The man in the middle of the picture wearing white t-shirt is holding a banner which is in red and black color. We see some text written on that banner. Beside them, we see people walking in the sideways and beside them, there are buildings. There are many buildings and trees in the background. We even see street lights and a flag in red color. At the top of the picture, we see the sky.

Schwetzingen mayor calls council’s abrupt change undemocratic and politically driven

Renate Schön, the incumbent mayor of Schwetzingen, has expressed disappointment following the council's decision to make the mayoral position honorary, effectively removing her from office in a move she sees as undemocratic and politically motivated.

Schön, who has received widespread praise for her work, feels blindsided by the decision. She believes it undermines the democratic process by excluding the public from determining the mayoral position's status.

The leadership of the Schwetzingen Freie Wählervereinigung, which played a role in the decision, includes Chairwoman Elfriede Fackel-Kretz-Keller, Treasurer Manfred Lutz-Jathe, Press Officer Carsten Petzold, Deputy Press Officer Andrea Rung, and Secretary Cornelia Hertlein. Despite the support she has garnered from both within and outside the village, Schön finds herself at odds with the party's leadership.

Renate Schön remains committed to her role as mayor, despite the council's decision to make the position honorary. She continues to serve with energy and dedication, even as she questions the democratic process that led to this change.