Potsdam’s Mayor Mike Schubert, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has been accused of accepting free tickets to sports events. Although he denies any wrongdoing, he requested a disciplinary investigation to be conducted. The Brandenburg Interior Ministry has now initiated disciplinary proceedings against Schubert, citing allegations of accepting complimentary tickets and invitations. The ministry referred to a provision in the state’s disciplinary law that requires the initiation of such proceedings in cases of suspected misconduct by a civil servant, based on sufficient factual evidence.
The investigation has been put on hold due to ongoing investigations by the Neuruppin public prosecutor’s office. The allegations also involve Schubert’s wife accepting invitations. The pressure on the Mayor has increased as he faces allegations of accepting VIP tickets and invitations to sports events. The Neuruppin public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into allegations of receiving benefits improperly. Schubert claims that he accepted the invitations to fulfill his duties as a representative of the city and to emphasize the importance of sports clubs in Potsdam.
The climate mayor denies the allegations and points to a 2016 anti-corruption directive regarding representation events, which stresses that the city should be represented externally by the Mayor and Deputy Mayors. The attendance of a private guest is discouraged, but may be permissible in limited circumstances. However, a 2019 directive issued by Schubert himself states that accepting invitations for family members is generally not allowed, with exceptions subject to approval by the supervisor. Efforts are being made within the city council to initiate a recall vote against the Mayor, with concerns about potential misconduct.
Schubert has been in office since 2018 and was the subject of an anonymous criminal complaint in January regarding the opening of a sports field for the Potsdam Royals football team, despite unfavorable weather conditions and objections from municipal authorities. The Prosecutor’s Office did not find sufficient evidence to initiate legal proceedings at that time. The decision to open a disciplinary investigation against the Mayor has raised questions about his conduct, especially concerning the acceptance of gifts and benefits. The outcome of the investigation and potential consequences for Schubert remain uncertain.
The City Council is considering whether there are enough signatures to proceed with a recall motion against Mayor Schubert. The recent collapse of the red-green-red coalition in the City Council adds further uncertainty to the political situation. The allegations of impropriety have sparked debate within the community and among political parties. The Mayor’s response to the allegations and the ongoing disciplinary proceedings will likely have implications for his political career and the reputation of the Potsdam city government. The issue remains a topic of interest and concern among residents and observers in the region.
