Mayor Kaminsky: retirement earlier than planned!

Mayor Kaminsky: retirement earlier than planned!

Hanau, Deutschland - in Hanau something is happening in the town hall. Claus Kaminsky, the city's mayor, has announced his plans for the future: he will retire prematurely. The magistrate of the city of Hanau approved this last Monday. Kaminsky will continue his official business by September 30, 2026, and his official retirement would not have been planned until November 17, 2027. At the age of 65 after over 30 years in the political main office, it is now time for him to break new ground, without a doubt he has accompanied the city at the top during his years. However, he remains in the city's history, as blaettsche.de.

Kaminsky has been in office since October 16, 1995, first as mayor and from November 17, 2003 as mayor. During his tenure, he became known as a stabilizing force, especially after the tragic racist attack of February 19, 2020, which shook the city. In a letter to his SPD colleagues, he informed his decision to withdraw and emphasized that good impulses were necessary for the future of the city. Dr. Maximilian Bieri and Isabelle Hemsley - both new full -time magistrate members - are considered potential successors for the Mayor's Office.

A review of Kaminsky's performance

The mayor's successes cannot be overlooked. During his leadership, not only the withdrawal of the US armed forces was organized, but also developed the Pioneer Park. He also actively campaigned against real estate speculations. Kaminsky won all four elections as the mayor in the first ballot, with election results from 63.76 % in 2003 to 56.18 % in the last ballot 2021. These high consent rates show its broad acceptance among the population and the trust that citizens put in his management.

The upcoming elections for the local and mayor election in Hanau are set for March 15, 2026. Kaminsky sees this choice as an opportunity for fresh, younger impulses in the city. However, he wants to continue working for the city of Hanau with full strength until his last working day.

regulations on retirement

The decision for early retirement has become possible in Hesse through a new regulation of the Hessian municipal code. This was previously linked to significantly stricter conditions. Mayor and district councilors in Hesse have an attractive office, be it due to the skills, salary or care. The Hessian Local Constitution also refers to this fact, which, among other things, gives the mayor the right to convene the municipal council and put applications on the agenda. This function is associated with a great influence and responsibility in the local administration [hessen.de] (https://ninnen.hessen.de/kommunales/hessische-kommunal constitution).

Today is June 16, 2025, a significant date for the city of Hanau and its citizens who can look forward to changes in the urban leadership.