End the tragedy about Peter Feldmann
The political and administrative operations in Frankfurt come to the Komödienstadl. As difficult as it is: The city councilors have to negotiate with Peter Feldmann. A comment.
A few weeks ago, Peter Feldmann (SPD) had spoken about stewardesses and his hormones on the plane to Seville, Human Resources Director Bastian Bergerhoff (Greens) wrote an email to all urban reasons, which was necessary in view of the statements by the mayor. Bergerhoff made it clear that sexism had no place in the city administration. Feldmann is now writing to the around 15,000 and explaining to them in a question-and-answer format, which is intended to look like a serious interview, why he wants to remain mayor. And in the city administration, some people are now wondering in the morning who is reporting from the Römer today and is keeping them from work with problems from politics.
One could make fun of it and speculate that the next email will come from the head of the sports department, Mike Josef (SPD) (subject: “Who is allowed to touch the European Cup?”). Followed by a message from City Councilor Eileen O’Sullivan (Volt) on the subject: “This is how we organize the referendum on Feldmann’s deselection.” Last mail could really happen.
In fact, the subject is far too serious for any further jokes. The e-mails to the beneficiaries, no matter how useful they were in individual cases, make it clear that politics and administration in Frankfurt is becoming a comedy town – and it is increasingly being paralyzed by the discussion about the mayor. A tragedy.
Feldmann’s email was silly to begin with. He promises transparency and gives answers that the employees have asked for according to him. But he refrains from asking crucial questions. For example: “How will you govern this city once the criminal proceedings against you have begun?” Or: “You really don’t see that this city is suffering massive damage because of you?” Journalist: would ask something like that, but Feldmann doesn’t give any interviews and did not allow any questions in his media statement. This way of dealing with the press is unheard of.
But it doesn’t help. Feldmann WILL not simply comply with the request to resign from office. And things can’t go on like this. Not until the referendum in November and certainly not until the summer of 2024. Feldmann remained in office for a long time if the referendum failed. And that’s the more likely option. 150,000 Frankfurters would have to vote against Feldmann. Do so many people even know the allegations against him?
In this respect, the city councilors will have to find a solution together with Feldmann. Discussions have already taken place and Feldmann has offered further negotiations. In the end there could be a deal. For example: The Lord Mayor will remain in office until the end of the year and can continue his (largely good, by the way) policy. Then he resigns voluntarily. From now on, city councilors like Nils Kößler (CDU) or Yanki Pürsün (FDP) clench their fists in their pockets at his performances. But also gold for them what gold for Feldmann: The well-being of the city is above all. And the vague hope that a referendum will work is not enough to lead Frankfurt out of this political crisis.