In a historic political shift, Alexander Omar Kalouti of the CDU has been elected as Dortmund's new mayor, ending the Social Democratic Party's (SPD) nearly 80-year hold on the city's top political position. Kalouti secured 52.92% of the vote in the runoff election, defeating incumbent Thomas Westphal of the SPD, who received 47.08% of the ballots. This marks the first time since 1946 that Dortmund will not be led by a Social Democrat mayor.
The election outcome represents a dramatic reversal from the first round of voting two weeks earlier, where Westphal had finished first with 27.4% of the vote while Kalouti placed second with 17.0%. The runoff became necessary after neither candidate achieved an outright majority in the initial round, which featured twelve candidates competing for the position. The low voter turnout of approximately 53% in the first round was expected to decline further in the decisive second round.
Political analysts suggest several factors contributed to the SPD's historic defeat in its traditional stronghold. Westphal, who had served as mayor since November 2020, failed to build significant popularity during his tenure. His campaign was further complicated by a controversial speech targeting what he called the "money aristocracy," which may have alienated potential supporters. The decision by independent candidate Martin Cremer, who finished with 14.59% in the first round, to endorse Kalouti also proved significant in shifting voter support.
Kalouti, a 57-year-old born in Beirut and raised in Germany, brings an unconventional background to Dortmund leadership. Previously working as head of the press department at Dortmund Theater, he has experience in political roles including work at Bavaria's economics ministry. Despite his recent entry into the CDU after previously being an FDP member, Kalouti has pledged to transform Dortmund into a "model city for innovation and cohesion," emphasizing better integration of science, culture, and business in the Ruhr region metropolis.
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