Potsdam's First Female Mayor, Brunhilde Hanke, Dies at 94

Hanke, who served from 1961 to 1984, was instrumental in shaping the modern landscape of Potsdam.

Brunhilde Hanke was the only woman to serve as Oberbürgermeisterin of Potsdam, appointed in 1961 by the SED.
During her tenure, she oversaw the construction of over 35,000 new homes to address severe housing shortages.
Hanke's leadership saw significant urban changes, including the controversial demolition of historic sites like the Garnisonkirche.
Even after her political career, Hanke remained an influential figure, actively engaging in city development discussions.
She was recently featured in a documentary highlighting the experiences of East German women, released this summer.