Munich Mayor Reiter No Longer on Sick Leave, Successor Krause Takes Over Duties
Munich, April 22 – Dieter Reiter (SPD), the current Mayor of Munich, is no longer on sick leave, as confirmed by his spokesperson to BR. However, he has taken personal leave to fully recover from his illness. This development comes as the city prepares for a leadership transition, with Dominik Krause (Greens) already at the helm of official duties.
Krause Manages Affairs Ahead of Formal Handover
The spokesperson for Mayor Reiter stated that his participation in the constituent meeting of the new city council, scheduled for May 11, will depend on his continued recovery. This meeting is where the official handover of duties to his successor, Dominik Krause, is expected to take place. Reiter had reported sick the day after his election defeat, and two days later, he announced that he was suffering from a “more serious cardiovascular illness.”
Currently, Krause is leading the city’s affairs in his capacity as deputy mayor. Reiter has not made any public appearances since announcing the end of his political career on election night. His prolonged absence due to the serious cardiovascular condition necessitated Krause stepping in to manage the city’s operations.
Reiter’s Farewell Plans Remain Undetermined
Following his defeat, Reiter had expressed his intention to bid farewell to the citizens of Munich “in an appropriate manner” and personally hand over the official duties to his successor. However, the exact timing and format of this farewell remain uncertain given his health situation.
Dominik Krause, a 35-year-old Green Party politician, secured a decisive victory in the runoff election against Dieter Reiter, who was long considered almost unbeatable. Krause is set to become the first Green Party mayor in Munich’s history to lead the city hall.
Background to Reiter’s Illness and the Transition
On March 25, 2026, Mayor Reiter announced his cardiovascular illness. This followed his election defeat and subsequent sick leave. The news of his serious health condition underscored the necessity for a smooth transition of power, which Krause has been facilitating as deputy mayor.
The constituent meeting of the new Munich City Council on May 11 is a crucial date for the formal transfer of power. The city is navigating this period of change, ensuring continuity in governance while acknowledging the health challenges faced by its outgoing leader.
The transition marks a significant moment for Munich, with a new generation of leadership taking the reins. The focus remains on the well-being of the outgoing mayor and the effective continuation of city administration under the new leadership.
