Overview
- The city scheduled a citizen referendum for January 25, 2026 to decide on Kretzschmar’s removal, according to spokesman André Ullmann.
- Officials estimate the vote will cost about €13,000 to €14,000 and will require roughly 2,800 affirmative ballots to pass.
- Kretzschmar won a March 2025 runoff with 63 percent for an eight‑year term, reported sick 11 days after taking office, and has been deemed unfit for duty since.
- The council moved to a recall process after he let a legally available seven‑day window for voluntary resignation expire.
- City statements indicate he could receive statutory pay—three months full salary followed by five years at 71.75% of A16—while he rejects accusations and cites an August medical opinion forecasting a near‑term return.