"Bernd Tischler has solemnly been honored in a grand event"

Bernd Tischler, the long-serving Mayor of Bottrop, said his goodbyes in a touching farewell ceremony last week. The event, attended by around 300 guests, including NRW Minister of Education Dorothee Feller, government president Andreas Bothe, and several mayors from neighboring cities, marked the end of Tischler's 16-year tenure as Mayor and his 36 years with the city.

Tischler started his career with the city administration in 1989, serving as head of the environmental planning department. Over the years, he held various positions in the planning department, leading it in 1995. In 2004, he was appointed technical deputy mayor, and in 2009, he was elected Mayor for the first time.

Minister Feller described Tischler as a reliable and trustworthy individual, often referred to as a "mate" by miners. She praised his "untiring future-orientedness" in her speech, while Klaus Strehl, the current Mayor of Bottrop, highlighted Tischler's achievements and his approachable nature during the ceremony.

Tischler looked back on his time as Mayor as a challenging but beautiful period. He is proud of transforming Bottrop into a model city for energy efficiency and climate protection. Since 2009, the number of socially insured employees in Bottrop has increased by 8,000, and the proportion of women in leadership positions has risen from 18.5% to 45%.

Tischler values good relations with neighboring cities, regardless of political affiliation. He is firmly convinced that the Ruhr region only has a common future. His political successes are attributed in part to his reputation as a caring mayor who listens to the people and acts in their interest.

The musical grand finale of the ceremony included the Ruhr Coal Choir singing "You'll Never Walk Alone". The choir also performed "Glück auf! Ihr Bergleut, Jung und Alt" during the ceremony. The members of the Ruhrkohle Choir who sang with Bernd Tischler have not been publicly detailed by name.

The InnovationCity Bottrop project, which Tischler had driven forward significantly, brought together the various stages of his career. This project, a major theme in Bottrop's progress towards a circular economy, was also highlighted during the ceremony.

Tischler thanked the great support of the people of Bottrop and felt it as a great privilege to have represented Bottrop in the world. He will not be running in the upcoming municipal election and will officially leave his post at the end of October.

The musical backdrop for the ceremony was provided by the Ruhrkohle Choir and students of the city's music school. The farewell ceremony for Bernd Tischler was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the city of Bottrop.