Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter Considers Resigning from FC Bayern Posts Amidst Criticism
Munich, March 11 – Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) is contemplating resigning from his positions on the FC Bayern Munich supervisory board and administrative advisory board. This consideration follows a wave of criticism after it was revealed that he had not disclosed his annual earnings of approximately 20,000 Euros from the club since 2021 to the city council, and had initially denied holding a supervisory board position.
Controversy Surrounds Undeclared Income and Denial
The controversy erupted just days before the Bavarian local elections, significantly impacting Reiter’s performance. He secured only 35.6 percent of the votes, falling short of his previous results and recent poll numbers. The primary reason for this poor showing appears to be the allegations that he failed to seek approval from the city council for his secondary employment with FC Bayern Munich and later had to retract a statement denying a supervisory board role. He subsequently apologized for the oversight.
Reiter’s Statement on Mandate Resignation
In an exclusive interview with the BR political magazine “Kontrovers,” Reiter stated, “I am seriously considering foregoing the mandate on the FC Bayern supervisory board.” When asked how he intends to restore credibility, the SPD mayor explained that he is reflecting on how and whether he will continue to exercise the mandates that led to the criticism. He also mentioned that this decision would need to be coordinated with FC Bayern Munich.
Decision on Secondary Income Expected Soon
Reiter also indicated that he is deliberating on the fate of his remuneration from his secondary employment with the record-holding football club. He expects to make a decision on this matter within the next few days. With less than two weeks until the runoff election against his political opponent, Dominik Krause of the Green Party, Reiter plans to engage directly with the citizens of Munich.
Emphasizing Differences Before Runoff Election
The mayor intends to discuss with Munich residents the implications of the election for the city’s future. He will also highlight the differences between a potential Green mayor and himself as an SPD mayor. According to Reiter, the outcome of the runoff election will affect crucial areas such as tenant protection, housing construction, and mobility. Reiter reflected on his twelve years as mayor, stating that the city’s progress during this period “was not entirely bad.”
The Green Party has not yet officially commented on the situation. Internally, it is understood that their campaign strategy focuses on promoting their vision for Munich rather than directly opposing Reiter.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/muenchner-ob-reiter-erwaegt-ruecktritt-von-fc-bayern-posten,VDUeo0h
