Cologne Mayor Henriette Reker Will Not Seek Re-Election After 10 Years in Office

Reker cites the city's worsening conditions, limited resources, and political challenges as reasons for stepping down.

Henriette Reker, Cologne's first female mayor, announced she will not run for a third term in the September 2025 election.
Reker expressed concerns over the 'increasing neglect' of Cologne, citing issues like homelessness, drug use, and insufficient staffing at the city's ordinance office.
She highlighted the challenges of addressing societal and financial pressures, including a 'dramatic' budget situation exacerbated by external crises such as the pandemic and economic inflation.
Reker faced criticism during her tenure, including her controversial 'arm's length' advice after the 2015/16 New Year's Eve assaults and the city's handling of public spaces and cleanliness.
Despite stepping down, Reker emphasized Cologne's vibrant, multicultural character and urged her successor to focus on societal cohesion among its diverse population.