Potsdam Mayor Noosha Aubel Faces Pressure Over Kindergarten Scandal

Noosha Aubel, an independent 50‑year‑old, took office as mayor of the German capital Potsdam on 24 October 2025 after winning a 72.9 % runoff vote. She pledged a modern, transparent administration, more affordable housing, better education and genuine dialogue with citizens.

Within nine months, her leadership has been challenged by a scandal at a local kindergarten where a multiply severely disabled child allegedly did not receive the required care and support. Critics describe the case as a serious moral, organisational and political failure for which the mayor bears responsibility, questioning whether her promises of transparency and social justice are being fulfilled.