The growing burden of being a mayor—and what it means for democracy in Germany | DW News

Key Concepts

• Local Democracy: The foundational level of governance in Germany, relying on 11,000 municipalities.
• Mayoral Vulnerability: The phenomenon where local leaders become the primary targets for public frustration directed at the state.
• Political Hostility: The rise in verbal abuse, harassment, threats, and physical violence against public officials.
• Volunteer Mayors: A system where mayors in small municipalities (under 2,000 residents) serve without a salary, often leading to burnout.
• Democratic Erosion: The risk that a lack of candidates and the intimidation of officials will weaken the connection between citizens and the state.

---

1. The Role and Burden of German Mayors

Mayors in Germany serve as the "backbone of local democracy" and the primary bridge between citizens and the distant federal government in Berlin. They are responsible for tangible daily life issues, including housing, schools, and infrastructure. Because they are the most accessible representatives of the state, they frequently bear the brunt of public anger regarding national policies or perceived government failures.

2. The Crisis of Hostility and Violence

Sociologist Joris Steg notes a disturbing trend: those serving society are increasingly being targeted.

• Statistics: Nearly 50% of local politicians have experienced some form of violence. Over 60% have altered their daily behavior due to hostility.
• Psychological Impact: Psychologist Mercedes Mayer reports that over 80% of local politicians suffer from psychological issues, such as sleep disorders and depression.
• Case Studies:
  • Erik Lierenfeld (Dormagen): Faced death threats during the COVID-19 pandemic due to his political stances.
  • Wiebke Zein Schwarzwalder (Zossen): Experienced extreme slander and xenophobic attacks during her campaign due to her husband’s Turkish origin.
  • Michael Müller (Thuringia): His property was targeted by arson in 2024.

3. Drivers of Public Frustration

Jörg Stäudt identifies three primary crises that have fueled public anger toward local officials:

1. Refugee Crisis: A perceived loss of control and failure of the state to protect its borders.
2. COVID-19 Pandemic: The inability of the state to fulfill its fundamental promise of protection, leading to widespread trauma.
3. Economic Crisis: Rising inflation, energy costs, and housing expenses, which have left many feeling that the state is failing to provide material and social security.

4. Structural and Administrative Challenges

Beyond hostility, the job itself is increasingly untenable:

• The Volunteer System: More than half of Germany’s mayors work in a voluntary capacity without a salary, often balancing the role with a full-time job.
• Administrative Overload: Mayors face overwhelming bureaucracy, limited budgets, and infrastructural deficits.
• The "Candidate Gap": In 2024, some regions (Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg) saw a fifth of municipalities fail to field a single candidate for mayor. This leads to a lack of choice and the potential for external, non-local officials to be appointed, further alienating the community.

5. Strategies for Resilience and Support

• Psychological Support: Experts emphasize the need for "protected spaces" where mayors can process stress and manage conflicting interests.
• Personal Coping Mechanisms: Mayor Philipp Lotter advocates for strict work-life balance, spending time in nature, and taking regular breaks to maintain mental health.
• Systemic Reforms: Mayoral associations are calling for:
  • Increased financial relief for volunteer mayors.
  • Administrative support to reduce bureaucratic burdens.
  • Greater public appreciation for the office to restore the dignity of the role.

Conclusion

The erosion of the mayoral office poses a significant threat to German democracy. When mayors are driven out by violence, burnout, or fear, the link between the people and the government is severed, leading to further political alienation. The consensus among experts is that without systemic support, financial relief, and a shift in the aggressive tone of political discourse, the foundation of local governance—and by extension, democracy itself—is at risk of collapse. As noted by Mercedes Mayer: "If there are no mayors anymore, the very foundation of democracy will collapse."