- Former youngest mayor in Germany resigns
At 24, he was the youngest full-time mayor in Germany in 2022 - now Lucas Halle is stepping down as the mayor of the 14,000-resident town of Zehdenick (Circle Oberhavel). "Health reasons" were cited by the mayor for this decision, according to the city. Several media outlets had previously reported this.
Halle (SPD) announced his immediate resignation on Instagram: "Unfortunately, I don't have the necessary strength to represent the city as required in these challenging times." This was the hardest decision he has ever made, he said, breaking his heart.
Halle had been sick for several months and resumed his duties in May. On Monday, the 27-year-old submitted his resignation letter to the chairman of the city council.
By doing so, he is waiving future severance pay and opening the way for swift new elections. The city council must first decide on his resignation on September 12.
According to the Network of Young Mayors with its headquarters in Berlin, Halle was the youngest full-time mayor in all of Germany at the time. He won the election in February 2022 with 88.3% of the votes, with a turnout of 27.6%. Today, he is no longer the youngest full-time mayor, but Patrick Albrecht (23) from Gößnitz in Thuringia.
After one year in office, the local politician said in an interview with the German Press Agency in February 2023: "I have a tremendous amount of fun doing this. I'm really into it." It's a lot of work, but it's great to be able to shape the development of the city at this age. Halle, who grew up in Zehdenick, completed a dual study program in public administration at the Brandenburg state interior ministry after graduating from high school.
He told the "Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung" some time ago that deaths in his family and among his friends had been very hard on him. He also received anonymous letters with insults and threats in his mailbox in connection with the debate about accommodating refugees.
The Commission, recognizing Lucas Halle's resignation due to health reasons, might consider adopting a decision to honor his service as the young and dedicated mayor of Zehdenick. Following his departure, the Commission could also examine ways to support the city in its transition to new leadership.
