Economic check: Mayoral candidates for the Viersen district in focus!

Economic check: Mayoral candidates for the Viersen district in focus!

On August 12, 2025, entrepreneurs in the Viersen district face an important date, as the local elections are fast approaching. The Middle Lower Rhine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) carried out an economic check for the mayoral and district administrator candidates. The aim of this check is to shed light on the candidates' economic policy priorities, such as: Rhenish mirrors reported.

As part of this survey, decisive factors were identified that influence the quality of the Viersen district as a business location: These include municipal costs, the development of commercial space and the quality of stay in the town centers. These aspects are important for the coming years, especially since the local elections on September 14, 2025 will shape the future economic conditions in the district's nine municipalities.

The candidates in focus

The survey appealed to almost all candidates from the major parties. In the run-up to the election, there will also be a panel discussion on September 3, 2025 at 6 p.m. in Willich. Organized by the IHK and the Rheinische Post, it will provide a platform to find out the candidates' views. Also taking part are Bennet Gielen (CDU), Annalena Rönsberg (SPD), Dr. Jens-Christian Winkler (Alliance 90/The Greens) and Dietmar Brockes (FDP). The event is free, but registration is recommended to secure a spot.

A look at the results of the 2020 local elections shows how important these elections are. At that time, Dr. Andreas Coenen won the absolute majority in the first round with 54.1 percent of the valid votes. Annalena Rönsberg from the SPD received 27.68 percent, followed by Udo van Neer (FDP) and Christoph Saßen (Left) with 7.79 percent and 4.89 percent of the vote, respectively. The voter turnout at that time was 52.67 percent, which indicates a keen interest from the population.

Economic situation and challenges

Political decisions for growth, employment and innovation are made not only in large cities, but also in smaller communities. The Institute of German Economics in Cologne has found this in a recent study Entrepreneur North Rhine-Westphalia highlighted. The study entitled “Municipal Ranking 2025 NRW” addresses the economic development of municipalities and points out how important these are for overcoming the current economic challenges.

With the upcoming election date, the question is coming to the fore as to what concepts and strategies the candidates can develop to overcome the challenges and give the region new impetus. As in the last elections, the interest of voters will be decisive for how the political landscape in the Viersen district will develop. For the citizens, one thing is clear: There is something going on here!