Press releases

Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen handed over the office to her successor Dr. Michael Ziemons at a reception in the White Hall on Wednesday (29 October). In addition to the members of the administrative board, the members of the old and new Aachen City Council were also invited. In addition to the uniform for the Chief Fire Officer, the ceremonial handover also included the first business cards for Dr. Michael Ziemons, who will officially take office on November 1. The chain of office was also on display, adorning the table where weddings are performed on other days.

"Aachen remains a city close to my heart," explained Sibylle Keupen at the handover, adding: "I am leaving this office with gratitude. Gratitude for the trust, the commitment and the time we spent together." She wished her successor courage, serenity and joy for his task as well as a happy hand. She gave him the following words for the road: "Aachen is in a good position. You are taking over a city full of energy, ideas and people who are ready to help shape it. Listen to them, trust them and remain open to dialog - because that is the foundation of this city."

The outgoing mayor also looked back on her goals and milestones, including the House of Curiosity as one of the projects close to her heart. In 2020, she had campaigned for a future-oriented, social, climate-friendly and sustainable city. She expressed her gratitude that her time in office had above all been a joint movement - of administration, politics, business, science and citizens. She had accepted this task with passion, clarity and consistency and had been able to implement it with many committed people.

Dr. Michael Ziemons thanked her with the words "Someone with a lot of heart, passion, commitment and courage was at work here." His term as Lord Mayor of the City of Aachen officially begins on November 1. At the constituent meeting of the new Council on November 5, the Lord Mayor-designate will be sworn in and inaugurated by the member who has been on the Council the longest.