Mayor Kaminsky: Retirement earlier than planned!

Mayor Kaminsky: Retirement earlier than planned!

Something is happening in the town hall in Hanau. Claus Kaminsky, the city's mayor, has announced his plans for the future: he will retire early. The Hanau city council approved this last Monday. Kaminsky will continue in office until September 30, 2026; previously his official retirement would not have been planned until November 17, 2027. At the age of 65, after more than 30 years in the main political office, it is now time for him to take a new path; there is no doubt that he has left a mark on the city during his years at the top. It will still remain part of the city's history, as blaettsche.de reports.

Kaminsky has been in office since October 16, 1995, first as mayor and from November 17, 2003 as mayor. During his time in office, he made himself known as a stabilizing force, especially after the tragic racist attack on February 19, 2020 that shook the city. In a letter to his SPD colleagues, he announced his decision to resign 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 achievement

The mayor's successes cannot be overlooked. Under his leadership, not only was the withdrawal of the US armed forces organized, but the Pioneer Park was also developed. He also actively campaigned against real estate speculation. Kaminsky won all four mayoral elections in the first round, with election results ranging from 63.76% in 2003 to 56.18% in the last round in 2021. These high approval rates show his broad acceptance among the population and the trust that citizens place in his administration.

The upcoming local and mayoral elections in Hanau are scheduled for March 15, 2026. Kaminsky sees this election as an opportunity for fresh, younger impulses in the city. However, he wants to continue to work full-time for the city of Hanau until his last day at work, as he himself notes.

Retirement regulations

The decision to take early retirement has become possible in Hesse thanks to a new regulation in the Hesse municipal code. Previously this was linked to much stricter conditions. Mayors and district administrators in Hesse have an attractive office, be it because of their skills, salary or benefits. The Hessian local constitution also refers to this fact, which, among other things, grants the mayor the right to convene the local council and put motions on the agenda. This function is associated with great influence and responsibility in local government hessen.de.

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