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Leipzig’s New Black Lion City Logo Triggers Backlash as Petition for Referendum Passes 2,000 Signatures

City officials call it a marketing identity for digital use, with the historic coat of arms reserved for seals and documents.

Overview

  • Leipzig unveiled the brand on November 5 with a black palette, a new lion mark and a custom typeface called Leipzig SANS designed by Berlin agency Edenspiekermann.
  • The city says the corporate design project cost €665,000, a figure widely criticized by residents on social media.
  • Mayor Burkhard Jung defended the move, saying a unified look will improve reach and visibility for municipal communications.
  • A petition demanding a citizens’ referendum on the logo has collected more than 2,000 signatures within days of launch.
  • Officials argue broad public participation was impractical due to technical complexity, while supporters note the change affects only the administration’s PR identity.