Mayor of ‘poor but sexy’ Berlin to quit
Print Edition
BERLIN’S mayor Klaus Wowereit is stepping down after 13 years running the city he once described as “poor but sexy”, his reputation tarnished in recent years by embarrassing delays and cost overruns to the German capital’s new airport.
Wowereit, who became a national celebrity by coming out as gay during his first mayoral election campaign just as a newspaper was planning to expose his sexuality, is leaving two years before the end of his term.
Facing the media yesterday with a typically broad grin, the 60-year-old mayor said: “I announced to the Senate today that I will not stand again for the next legislature period and that I will vacate my position on December 11.”
After much speculation about how long he would continue Wowereit said he had wanted to give some clarity.
“This was not an easy decision. I have been in politics in this city for more than 40 years... it is sometimes difficult to find the right time to go. For me the time has come now. I’m going of my own free will and I’m proud of having played my part in the positive development of this city.”
Dubbed “Wowi” in the media, the Berlin-born politician’s candour, smile and down-to-earth manner made him one of Germany’s most popular politicians, and he was frequently photographed hobnobbing with celebrities and enjoying a party lifestyle. Seen by some as a possible SPD candidate for chancellor, he was ultimately passed over because of a perceived lack of gravitas.
Meanwhile, the new international airport — a pet project of Wowereit’s — is running five years behind schedule, at twice the original budget, and has become a national joke.
Tagesspiegel newspaper said Jan Stoess, head of the SPD in Berlin, would take over from Wowereit.
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