Overview

• Silvio Witt, Neubrandenburg's openly gay, nonpartisan mayor, will step down at the end of May, four years before his term was set to conclude.
• Witt confirmed his decision to resign early, citing a year of reflection and sustained hostility following the city council's ban on the rainbow flag at a local train station forecourt.
• The flag ban, enacted in October 2024 after repeated vandalism with Nazi symbols, sparked national attention, local protests, and a widely supported petition against the decision.
• Witt reported facing ongoing insults, hostility, and a lack of support within the city council, contributing to his decision to leave office.
• A runoff election scheduled for May 25 will determine Witt's successor, while he plans to remain independent and explore future opportunities.