Teltow resolves dispute over municipal honorary medals

A dispute regarding the issuance of honorary medals in Teltow has been resolved following a review by the municipal supervisory authority of the Potsdam-Mittelmark district. Mayor Andre Freymuth is permitted to continue honoring civic engagement with the city's honorary medal, independent of the volunteer award.

The controversy was initiated by the SPD faction in the Teltow City Council, which challenged the previous design of the medal. Specifically, they objected to the inclusion of the slogan ‘frey denken – muthig handeln’ (think freely – act courageously), which was a personal motto of Mayor Freymuth. The SPD raised concerns regarding the lack of separation between election campaign communication and official representation, the neutrality of municipal honors, and the use of public funds.

As a result of the review, the slogan will be removed from future versions of the honorary medal. Mayor Freymuth stated that his primary goal remains the recognition of volunteer work.