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Herdecke’s New Mayor Begins Term After Knife Attack, Criticizes Media and Rapid Political Reactions

Iris Stalzer says coverage crossed legal and ethical lines by exposing her minor children.

Overview

  • Stalzer’s term officially started Saturday, with her formal swearing-in set for November 4 as she assumes leadership of roughly 380 city employees.
  • In her first extended interview, she described a media frenzy and said she deliberately avoided news consumption during her hospital stay.
  • She called early public statements premature, including a post by Chancellor Friedrich Merz on X shortly after the attack.
  • Investigators identify her 17-year-old adoptive daughter as the main suspect; a warrant for dangerous bodily harm was issued and the probe continues.
  • Stalzer denies reports of a conflict with youth services, notes strong backing from her party, and says her health allows her to carry out the mandate.