Sylt holds a vote for selecting its new mayor.
"Is there support for ousting Mayor Nikolas Häckel?" Over 12,473 registered Sylt residents will vote on this issue on Sunday. At least 20% of eligible voters, which equals around 2,494 votes, must vote in favor of recall for it to be successful, according to Florian Korte, Sylt community spokesperson. The total number of votes required will be officially set by Friday at noon, as changes due to relocations, deaths, or registrations can affect the voter count.
On July 18, Sylt's local politicians voted strongly in favor of initiating a recall process against Mayor Häckel, an independent full-time Sylt mayor undergoing burnout. Despite this, Häckel plans to return to the Westerland town hall's top position. Local politicians on the island are determined to prevent this, accusing him of various issues such as the current budget crisis, poor communication, a lack of trust, and administrative shortcomings.
The Sylt community's citizens will make the final decision on the recall on September 29. According to Korte, 2,649 eligible voters had requested postal voting as of Monday, with results anticipated later on Sunday evening.
Häckel wishes to carry on projects
Häckel demonstrates resolve by saying, "As a devoted democrat, I eagerly anticipate voting on Sunday and, of course, hope for confirmation of our and my work, enabling us to continue with projects beneficial for Sylt and the Sylters."
Should Häckel be removed from office on Sunday, he will enter temporary retirement as of the day the results are announced, shared Hans-Martin Slopianka, Nordfriesland district spokesperson. A new mayor must be elected within six months of the election outcome, as per the community regulations.
If the necessary 20% voter threshold isn't reached, Häckel will remain in office. He will also maintain his position if the required number of voters does not attend the polls, lacking the quorum, or if there's a tie. In all three scenarios, however, a primary committee discussion on Häckel's potential reinstatement following his prolonged medical leave is mandatory.
The controversy divides the island
Since February, Häckel has been on medical leave. During summer 2023, Häckel had been unable to perform his duties as the full-time Sylt mayor for several weeks.
In mid-August, the mayors of the other four island communities publicly supported Häckel's recall. Meanwhile, the "Sölring Underground" group has been campaigning against the recall on YouTube for about two and a half weeks, with their motto, "Vote no!" accompanied by an image of beachgoers waving a red flag with the word "No."
Häckel has been managing the administration on the North Sea island since 2015 and is currently being represented by his deputy, CDU politician Carsten Kerkamm.
The elections for the recall of Mayor Nikolas Häckel are scheduled for September 29, where over 12,473 registered Sylt residents will cast their votes. If the recall is successful, Häckel will be required to step down, and a new mayor will be elected within six months.
