Overview
- SPD, Greens and Volt now govern without a majority after the FDP left the Römer coalition during the summer break.
- Mike Josef declines to reassign or dismiss FDP-appointed magistrates Stephanie Wüst and Annette Rinn.
- Treasurer Bastian Bergerhoff proposes the 2026 budget timetable with a first reading in December and further readings in January and March, which Josef supports.
- Josef urges departments to craft proposals that can win cross-party majorities to keep the city functional and avoid a prolonged provisional budget that would hit local clubs and services.
- CDU faction leader Nils Kößler signals no rush to engage, saying the party will deliberate once a consultable budget proposal is available.