Munich mayoral transition as Dominik Krause succeeds Dieter Reiter amid budget crisis

Long‑time Munich mayor Dieter Reiter handed the mayoral chain to Green Party candidate Dominik Krause on 1 May, marking the city’s first Green mayor. In a brief farewell speech, Reiter warned that “one is never safe from surprises” in democracy and reflected on his twelve‑year tenure.

Krause, 35, thanked Reiter for steering the city through “the toughest crises” and outlined the fiscal challenges he inherits. Munich faces a “veritable budget crisis,” requiring roughly €500 million in cuts while still funding affordable housing, schools, childcare, transport infrastructure and culture. Krause pledged to balance austerity with continued investment and to avoid abandoning any residents.

The hand‑over was celebrated at the Old Town Hall, with coalition partners from the SPD, FDP, Free Voters and Rosa Liste signing a five‑party agreement. The new coalition, colloquially dubbed the “Mango” coalition, aims for pragmatic governance beyond partisan lines.