Municipalities: Neubrandenburg takes down the rainbow flag

Neubrandenburg’s mayor Silvio Witt (independent) has commented on the background to his announced resignation in May 2025. The resignation announcement was preceded by a majority decision by the city council to no longer fly the rainbow flag at the train station as a result of several attacks. In the past, unknown people had exchanged the flag in the city in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania several times for a flag with a swastika.

At an event organized by the Körber Foundation in Berlin, Witt said, according to a recording published by NDR: “A lot has happened, there is a lot of pressure being exerted.” At some point this will have an impact on those around him , on his husband, his family and friends. A key experience was when his mother sent him a Whatsapp message in the morning saying: “Today it’s not so bad what’s in the newspaper.”

OB was a patron of Christopher Street Day events

In the past, Witt had spoken out in favor of a cosmopolitan and tolerant Neubrandenburg – including as patron of Christopher Street Day events. The 45-year-old Witt also appeared on social media with the rainbow flag.

His regular term would last until 2029. Witt has been mayor of the third largest city in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania since 2015. He was re-elected in 2022 by a large margin over his only opponent.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:241013-930-259470/1

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