Geographical areas or regions - Lichtenberg's SPD seeks to remove district councilor Hönicke
It appears that the relationship between Lichtenberg District Councilor Kevin Hoencke and his party, the SPD, is strained. The SPD district association has planned a district delegates' meeting on June 19 to cast a vote on whether the SPD faction in the district parliament will submit a motion of no confidence against Hoencke, as revealed in a letter from district chairwoman Tamara Luedke and Erik Guhrs, which was acquired by the German Press Agency. Previously, the business magazine "BERLINboxx" had shared this information.
The reason for this rift is that the faction and the party no longer view Hoencke as an ally who they can collaborate with. They allege that Hoencke, who was temporarily suspended from the district office by district mayor Martin Schaefer (CDU) following allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment involving another office, has failed to receive several requested responses. Consequently, their trust has been irrevocably damaged. The upcoming meeting is expected to determine Hoencke's successor in the district office.
Hoencke responded to dpa's inquiry, stating that the district assembly had chosen him as the district councilor, and he aims to fulfill that responsibility. He maintains a strong commitment to his position and is prepared for any elections that may take place.
Hoencke stands accused of sending internal emails about alleged misconduct and sexual harassment in another office anonymously to a Berlin newspaper journalist in May 2023. District mayor Martin Schaefer (CDU) suspended him based on these allegations in October, but Hoencke defended himself through legal means. In March 2024, the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court suspended the ban on exercising official duties in a temporary measure.
The Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office has been conducting an investigation since October 2023 against Hoencke on the suspicion of unlawfully disclosing confidential information. The case is still ongoing, the authority confirmed upon request.
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The strained relationship between Hoencke and the SPD in Lichtenberg's districts extends to municipalities across Berlin. This situation has led to a divide within the SPD's parties, including the CDU.
Despite the allegations against him, Hoencke continues to serve as district councilor, using a prospective tablecloth as a metaphor for his determination to uphold his position. The German Press Agency has covered this controversial issue extensively.
The ongoing investigation by the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office may influence the SPD's decision at the district delegates' meeting, potentially affecting the leadership of the district office.
Martin Schäfer, the district mayor from the CDU, temporarily suspended Hoencke based on the allegations that surfaced in 2023. This action has brought about a significant change in the political landscape of the districts and municipalities.
Following the higher court's decision, Hoencke's suspension was temporarily lifted, allowing him to continue his duties in the district office. However, his fate remains uncertain as the investigation continues.
