# Potsdam Mayor Aubel under budget, care and governance Scrutv > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/potsdam-mayor-noosha-aubel-childcare-controversy > Updated: 2026-08-25T07:16:46.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 6. Since taking office in October 2025, Mayor Noosha Aubel has faced a cascade of controversies regarding budget management, social services, and infrastructure. A regional administrative court in late June ordered Potsdam to provide a preschool place for a two-year-old with a 100% disability rating after the city refused the slot. This kindergarten scandal, involving a child denied support for over 1.5 years despite legal entitlement, has been framed as a “serious moral, organisational and political failure” that undermines Aubel’s pledges of transparency and social justice. Financial and governance challenges persist. By mid-July, the city disclosed a €33.4 million budget deficit and earmarked €500,000 for external consultants. Aubel has struggled to build consensus in a fragmented city council, facing defeats on key initiatives like a water-supply proposal and a creative-house computing centre, which received support from only four of 56 councilors. Recent reports highlight growing accusations of “structural administrative and leadership failure.” Critics point to a massive road maintenance backlog estimated at approximately €300 million. Specifically, the hazardous condition of Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße in Babelsberg—characterized by torn asphalt and exposed paving—has raised safety concerns for cyclists and motorists. The combination of deteriorating infrastructure and unfulfilled social service promises has led to claims that the municipal administration is failing in its duty to maintain public safety and sustainable maintenance. ## Claims - Noosha Aubel won the mayoral runoff with 72.9% of the votes. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Voter turnout in the election was 42.5%. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Aubel took office on 24 October 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Aubel promised a transparent, modern and human‑centred administration. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Potsdam faces a strained municipal budget, administrative delays, housing shortage and traffic problems. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A kindergarten scandal involves a severely disabled child lacking a place despite legal entitlement for over 1.5 years. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Aubel's proposal for a creative‑house computing centre received support from only four of the 56 city council members. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Aubel suffered a defeat on a water‑supply vote in the city council. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Potsdam administration faces accusations of structural failure Potsdam faces accusations of structural administrative failure due to a 300 million euro road maintenance backlog and unfulfilled social service commitments under Mayor Noosha Aubel. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/potsdam-administration-faces-accusations-of-structural-failure ### 2026-08-05: Potsdam Mayor Noosha Aubel Faces Budget and Service Challenges Potsdam mayor Noosha Aubel, elected with 72.9% in a low‑turnout vote, faces budget strain, housing and traffic woes, a kindergarten scandal, and early council setbacks on a computing centre proposal and water‑s 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/potsdam-mayor-noosha-aubel-faces-budget-and-service-challenges ### 2026-07-31: Potsdam Mayor Noosha Aubel Faces Pressure Over Kindergarten Scandal Potsdam’s mayor Noosha Aubel, elected with a 72.9% mandate, is under scrutiny for a kindergarten scandal involving a severely disabled child, raising questions about her administration’s transparency and care. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/potsdam-mayor-noosha-aubel-faces-pressure-over-kindergarten-scandal ### 2026-07-23: Potsdam Mayor Noosha Aubel Criticised Over Failing Streets, Green Spaces and Disabled Child Care Potsdam’s mayor Noosha Aubel is under pressure as residents accuse the city of neglected streets, overgrown green areas and a mishandled care case for a severely disabled toddler, amid debate over a €14,083.87 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/potsdam-mayor-noosha-aubel-criticised-over-failing-streets-green-spaces-and-disabled-child-care ### 2026-07-13: Potsdam Mayor Noosha Aubel Faces Budget Deficit and Child Care Scandal Potsdam Mayor Noosha Aubel faces a €33.4 million deficit, a €500k consultancy spend, and a scandal over a disabled‑child kindergarten case, sparking criticism of her leadership and transparency. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/potsdam-mayor-noosha-aubel-faces-budget-deficit-and-child-care-scandal ### 2026-06-26: Potsdam mayor criticized for denying daycare to severely disabled child Potsdam’s mayor Noosha Aubel faces criticism for denying a legally required preschool spot to a severely disabled child, sparking legal action and potential European Court of Human Rights involvement. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/potsdam-mayor-criticized-for-denying-daycare-to-severely-disabled-child --- Cite as: Potsdam Mayor Aubel under budget, care and governance Scrutv. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/potsdam-mayor-noosha-aubel-childcare-controversy