City treasurer Molitor dismissed: unrest in Leverkusen administration!

City treasurer Molitor dismissed: unrest in Leverkusen administration!

Dramatic developments in the Leverkusen city administration: City Treasurer Michael Molitor was relieved of his duties with immediate effect. Disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him, with the decision based on Section 39 of the Civil Service Status Act, as Radio Leverkusen reported. This measure was decided after extensive, external legal advice.

The reason for the drastic steps could be a critical letter that Molitor wrote on July 6, 2025. In it he makes allegations against Mayor Uwe Richrath and is critical of the head of the building department, Andrea Deppe. The letter was sent not only to Richrath, but also to some council members, further inflaming the matter.

Different perceptions

The situation is made interesting by the different perceptions: While Molitor had already asked to be voted out as chamberlain at the end of February 2026 before his dismissal procedure, Richrath and Deppe remain unimpressed in their perspective. Molitor had his wish presented publicly at a meeting, as he did Cologne City Gazette reported.

Molitor is currently off duty due to a car accident, and in order not to jeopardize ongoing business, Deppe and city manager Marc Adomat are now temporarily taking over his duties. The regulation on the distribution of tasks has been running since the end of June 2025. This shows that the city administration was already confronted with internal challenges before these incidents.

There have also been disagreements between Molitor and Deppe in the past, particularly regarding the relocation of school buildings to the Leverkusen real estate company (Levi). This decision, which was based on an initiative by the CDU, led to protests from employees who feared for their position. Deppe has repeatedly emphasized that she would have liked more open communication with Molitor, but he apparently could not find the necessary closeness to the administration.

The look ahead

It is clear that trust in Molitor has suffered during the current budget crisis. His calculation of trade tax revenue, which is considered completely wrong, was particularly controversial. In a political environment that is sensitive to such mistakes, the fragile balance between harmonious coexistence and internal power games becomes apparent.

Additionally, new regulations for officers regarding intentional crimes cast a shadow over Molitor's future situation. The new law stipulates that with a prison sentence of at least six months, the civil service relationship ends automatically, which leaves further uncertainty for Molitor. The regulations are part of a comprehensive reform Federal law are anchored.

What happens next remains to be seen. The next steps in the disciplinary procedure and the future direction of the Leverkusen city administration are of great importance for the political situation in the city. One thing is certain: there is still a lot to be done and citizens will be keeping a close eye on developments.