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Chemnitz University of Technology Presents “Wahlprüfsteine” for Mayoral Election

University Academic Senate passed “Wahlprüfsteine” – an election questionnaire – for Chemnitz’s mayoral election at their last session.

On 20 September 2020 and 11 October 2020, the election of the Mayor of the City of Chemnitz for the term of office from 2020 until 2027 will take place. In its meeting on 21 July 2020, the municipal election committee admitted a total of nine candidates to the election (german article).

Chemnitz University of Technology has a vital interest in this election and the positions of the candidates, especially with regard to the interplay between urban and university development. Against this background, the university has prepared election questionnaires, which were passed by the Academic Senate during its latest session, for the mayoral candidates. President Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, who is also Chairman of the Senate of Chemnitz University of Technology by virtue of his office, explains: "It is perhaps not exactly common for a university to present candidates with a questionnaire about electoral positions in the run-up to an election. However, Chemnitz University of Technology is an integral part of the city of Chemnitz, which significantly enriches city life, the economy and society, and also shapes the city's external image - and vice versa: the university is shaped and influenced by the city in general and by city politics in particular. Against this background, it is reasonable to contribute to the democratic decision-making process via the instrument of an election questionnaire while of course remaining in compliance with the neutrality requirement. The questionnaires are an important statement not least because they were unanimously approved by the Academic Senate at Chemnitz University of Technology. Strohmeier further clarified, "The election questionnaires essentially fulfill three functions: First, they provide a certain amount of guidance through candidates’ answers. Second, they help to ensure that the candidates make their positions clear, i.e. that it is clear what is to be expected in the event of their election. Third, it also becomes clear to what extent the candidates or their ideas and perceptions fit with those of Chemnitz University of Technology.”

The election questionnaire modules deal with the following topics: the strengthening and (further) development of Chemnitz as a location for science and business, the expansion and revitalization of the downtown campus on Straße der Nationen, the commitment to a cosmopolitan climate characterized by acceptance and the promotion of this climate, as well as the development opportunities for Chemnitz University of Technolody at the Technology Campus South (above all the procedure and further development with regard to the reservation of the building area SOU6 exclusively for the university’s building projects). The concrete election questionnaire including a description of the individual subject areas and questions for the candidates can be obtained here.

Chemnitz University of Technology asks candidates to answer the questions by 12 August 2020, after which the answers will be published via the university’s communication channels.

(Author: Matthias Fejes / Translation: Chelsea Burris)

Matthias Fejes
30.07.2020

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