Overview
- SPD and CDU had presented a joint two-name list that drew 43 votes, yet the D’Hondt allocation for the second slot counted it as 21.5, allowing Norbert Emmerich’s 23 to prevail over CDU’s Werner Wöll.
- The origins of the three non‑AfD votes remain unknown after the secret ballot, prompting political outcry and local scrutiny of the process.
- Emmerich was sworn in as second deputy mayor, during which many councillors left the chamber, according to local reports.
- CDU’s Sascha Kurth labeled the outcome a disaster for council work, SPD leaders condemned the defections, and Emmerich said he was surprised by the extra support.
- The role is largely representational; Emmerich previously lost the mayoral runoff to SPD’s Andrea Henze and now begins official duties as AfD’s faction leader in the council.