Recall proceedings against Freiberg's mayor have begun

On January 31, the citizens of Freiberg are set to decide the future of their controversial mayor, Philipp Preißler. The city council has initiated a recall process by a large majority. By law, the vote had to take place without prior debate. In addition, a two-thirds majority was required. According to a city spokesperson, there were no votes against the motion, only two abstentions.

Preißler was elected a year ago as the Free Voters’ candidate to become the new mayor of the city, which has a population of about 41,000, in the Mittelsachsen district. However, due to a challenge to the election, he was not able to take office until this summer.

The city council’s resolution states that, after being sworn in at the beginning of July, he severed contact with the city administration and failed to fulfill his duties as mayor. In addition, he is under investigation for allegedly causing a disturbance at a Leipzig hotel and assaulting police officers. Disciplinary proceedings are also currently underway against Preißler. District Administrator Sven Krüger (independent) has barred him from continuing to perform his duties in light of the circumstances. 

The decision now lies in the hands of the citizens

The motion to remove him from office was filed in the city council by the Free Voters, the party that had originally nominated him for the mayoral race. This move is intended to end the current stalemate. According to reports, the city has also had to continue paying Preißler his full salary despite the suspension from duty. It was reported that he let the opportunity to comment on a possible recall before the city council meeting pass him by. 

The future of Preißler and the city now lies in the hands of its citizens. To confirm the recall, a simple majority of “yes” votes on January 31 will not be enough. At least 50 percent of eligible voters must also vote in favor of the recall.