City Council in Halle (Saale) August 2025: Three newest council members take oath, moment of silence for fallen politicians, Guido Haak appointed as new chairman.

In the heart of Halle, the election for the new City Council chairman is causing a stir. Dörte Jalcobi, a well-known figure in cultural events, is running for the position as the candidate for the party "Die PARTEI" (non-affiliated). However, her campaign has been met with criticism, particularly regarding her style.

The main topic of the election seems to be the controversial prison project in Tornau. Some city council members view the prison as an opportunity for economic promotion, while others, including the speaker, find the constant focus on the project and the surrounding theater intense and questionable. The speaker believes that Halle has serious problems as a city that can't be solved with such behavior.

The speaker also questions the democratic legitimacy of backfilling in city councils, a topic that has sparked debate among council members. Some argue that it is democratic, while others find it questionable.

Meanwhile, Andreas Silbersack has expressed his support for the JVA project, adding fuel to the fire. The speaker, however, has expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of some council members, who have been criticized for prioritizing social activities over city politics, such as distributing champagne in front of the town hall during votes.

The speaker has not specified what they mean by the "theater surrounding the new prison," but some speculate that it refers to the intense debate and political maneuvering surrounding the project.

In other news, the annual reports for the zoo, opera, and TOOH are due. The mayor, it should be noted, has only one vote in the election for the new City Council chairman.

As the election approaches, the city of Halle awaits the outcome, with many hoping for a change in the city's political landscape. The speaker, however, remains dissatisfied with the current state of affairs, expressing concerns about the city's future and the need for mature, responsible leadership.

Doerte Jacobi, despite losing the election for City Council chairman, received only 4 votes, with Guido Haak (CDU) being elected instead. Jacobi is known for her talkative nature and has been a regular figure at cultural events in the city.

City Council in Halle (Saale) August 2025: Three newest council members take oath, moment of silence for fallen politicians, Guido Haak appointed as new chairman.