Tension in the city region: Who will win in the 2025 runoff election?

Tension in the city region: Who will win in the 2025 runoff election?

The local elections are just around the corner in the Aachen city region and the candidates are ready to convince voters of their concepts. The first round of voting took place on September 14, 2025, in which Tim Grüttemeier from the CDU achieved an impressive 44.3 percent of the votes. Janine Köster from the SPD was also able to secure a place in the runoff with 17.6 percent. These two candidates will compete again on September 28, 2025 to win the people's vote.

In six out of ten municipalities in the region, voters have already made clear decisions by giving one candidate more than 50 percent of the vote. However, things get particularly exciting in communities where a runoff election is required. In addition to the Aachen city region, there are also interesting developments in Monschau, Übach Palenberg, Alsdorf and Eschweiler. In Monschau, Carmen Krämer, an independent candidate supported by the Greens, is running against Thomas Kuck from the CDU. Here the numbers are tight, with 46.8 percent for Krämer and 45.6 percent for Kuck.

Diversity of local elections

Local elections in Germany are diverse and comprehensive. They not only shape the parliamentary representation of the municipalities, but also include the direct election of (major) mayors as well as the election to district councils and district administrators. There are different models of local government constitutions in Germany, with the South German Mayors Constitution predominant today. This provides for the direct election of the mayor, which creates a closer connection between voters and elected representatives. In many federal states, voters also have the option of accumulating or variegating votes, which increases the individual influence on the election. Despite these differences, there is one central rule: the elections are defined by the Basic Law as general, direct, free, equal and secret elections, which ensures their democratic character.

A notable aspect of local elections is voter turnout. On average, this is lower than in state or federal elections. The trend is that smaller parties and citizens' initiatives are more popular, especially in rural areas, as voters are often more interested in the candidates than in the parties. Particularly in the 50 to 69 age group there is a high voter turnout of around 85.5 percent, while younger voters are also active at 78.8 percent. This shows that political engagement varies in different age groups. Statista reports on voter turnout in Germany.

A new era of elections?

In the Aachen city region and beyond, voters are taking their options seriously. In the coming elections it will be clear that citizens are well informed and value candidates who represent their specific concerns. On September 28th it will be seen whether Tim Grüttemeier can continue to enjoy the support of the voters or whether Janine Köster can turn things around. Tension is rising and the outcome of the election will be crucial not only for the two candidates, but also for the region's political landscape.

Voter turnout will continue to be an important issue. It is not only an indicator of citizens' democratic engagement, but also an indicator of the acceptance of political structures. As the Federal Agency for Civic Education emphasizes, there are often regional differences in voter turnout, which could indicate different political commitments.

In today's world, citizens are to some extent the architects of their own fate - especially when it comes to local elections. On September 28th, another chapter in this story will be written, which will be of great importance not only for the candidates but also for the voters.