Municipalities
Volunteer mayors worry about successors
Volunteer mayors see the implementation of measures as part of the energy transition as a major challenge. photo
© Uwe Anspach/dpa
The Federal President meets with volunteer mayors to exchange experiences. The Körber Foundation previously conducted a survey to find out their mood.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wants to exchange ideas with around 80 volunteer mayors in Berlin today. According to the Körber Foundation, there are more than 6,000 of them nationwide.
The volunteer mayors see the implementation of measures as part of the energy transition (89 percent) as a major or even very major challenge. A close second is concern about a lack of budget funds (86 percent). 63 percent rated their community’s financial situation as less good or bad. The admission of refugees, which puts a strain on many municipalities, comes in sixth place at 58 percent.
Half are dissatisfied with the general conditions
The survey does not provide a clear picture of satisfaction with the general conditions for volunteer work. 49 percent were somewhat or very satisfied, 50 percent somewhat or very dissatisfied.
The vast majority of those surveyed feel strongly or very strongly recognized and valued by the citizens and their local council (83 percent in each case). At 14 percent, however, the perceived appreciation from the respective state government is poor, and recognition from the media is also low at 28 percent.