Future of Hanau in the suspension: Who does Claus Kaminsky follow?

Future of Hanau in the suspension: Who does Claus Kaminsky follow?

Hanau, Deutschland - Claus Kaminsky, the longest mayor in Hesse, announced his decision to hand over his official business in autumn 2026. This is done after over two decades of political responsibility in Hanau, where Kaminsky has been in office since 2003. The 65-year-old applied for early retirement, which was approved by the magistrate. Kaminsky expressed that the time had come to take responsibility in younger hands and looks forward to his retirement with a mix of gratitude and melancholy. He plans to devote more private matters such as shopping, cooking and reading after his term. "It feels like an act of liberation," he said in a press conference, in which he also discussed the challenges of his time as a mayor, in particular the racially motivated attack of February 19, 2020, which shapes the city and its political work.

The municipal elections in Hesse are just around the corner, and the successor of Kaminsky will be decided in spring 2026. On March 15, 2026, Mayor Maximilian Bieri (SPD) and City Councilor Isabelle Hemsley (CDU) will compete against each other after both have announced that they apply to their parties as OB candidates. It should be noted that Kaminsky Bieri favors as a potential successor, but also respects Hemsley in a harmonious relationship. The two younger politicians are already working closely together to ensure party political continuity.

political challenges and successes

Kaminsky's time in Hanau was characterized by significant events, including the deduction of the US forces and the conversion of the former military areas. In the city center conversion and coping with the trauma after the attack are also among its central tasks. Despite his withdrawal, there are voices that Kaminsky still see as a responsibility, in particular from members of the attack victims, which indicates the claims that have not yet been fulfilled. Nevertheless, Kaminsky is often recognized for its way of manage crises.

An additional problem affects the city's demographic data: Hanau has objected to the population of 93,632 determined by the State Statistical Office because it is considered too low. The loss of the large city status could bring financial disadvantages, since Hanau has sometimes slipped below 100,000 inhabitants.

look into the future

The local elections on March 15, 2026 are therefore also a crucial moment for Hanau, not only to clarify Kaminsky's succession, but also to take a new direction for the city. The transition will be accompanied by Kaminsky until his end of his office on September 30, 2026 to ensure the smooth change in the city administration. All political decisions that are now made could set the course for Hanau for many years.

With a look at the Bundestag election in Hesse, which takes place on February 23, 2025, and the subsequent local elections, the political landscape in the country is becoming increasingly dynamic. The challenges are considerable and it remains to be seen how the electorate reacts to the developments, especially in view of the profound changes that Kaminsky initiated during his term.

For more information on the elections and the political Situation in Hesse, visit The page of the Hessian statistics . Further details on Kaminsky's withdrawal and its importance published ffh and also reports in detail about the background and the possible succession.