Hanno Benz Inaugurated as Mayor of Darmstadt, Succeeding Jochen Partsch
Darmstadt, Germany – In a city council meeting held at the darmstadtium on Sunday, June 25, 2023, Hanno Benz was officially inaugurated and sworn in as the new mayor of the science city of Darmstadt. Benz takes over from Jochen Partsch, who was dismissed after serving twelve years in office.
In his first speech as mayor, Hanno Benz expressed his appreciation and respect for the position and the responsibilities that come with it. He emphasized the importance of collegial cooperation within the magistrate and the city council, highlighting the need to listen to each other and find amicable solutions and compromises. Benz’s central concern is to foster consensus rather than conflict. He also expressed his intention to be a contact for all political actors in Darmstadt and seek dialogue and cooperation with all democratic parties in the city council.
Benz took the opportunity to thank his predecessor, Jochen Partsch, for his achievements during his twelve-year tenure. Partsch’s work has earned him respect and recognition across party lines, according to Benz.
The new mayor outlined the focal points of his term, stating, “I want to be a mayor for all Darmstadt residents, including and especially for those who are not on the sunny side of life.” Benz emphasized the importance of social justice and the role of local politics in mitigating the consequences of the pandemic, the turning point in time, the energy price crisis, and inflation. He stressed the need for municipal services to ensure basic social rights and provide stability for families and society. Affordable housing, healthcare, daycare, education, cultural and sports activities, public mobility, and reliable digital networks are among the priorities Benz aims to address.
Following the handover of office, a reception was held in the foyer of the darmstadtium, hosted by the magistrate of the science city of Darmstadt.
Hanno Benz, born in Darmstadt in 1972, resides in Arheilgen with his family. He attended the Bernhard Adelung and Bertolt Brecht schools before completing his community service with the German Red Cross. Benz then pursued studies in politics, literature, and linguistics. Professionally, he has worked at the intersection of politics, business, and communication. Most recently, he served as the head of the “Public Affairs” department at an energy supplier in the Rhine-Main area. Benz has been politically active for the SPD since 1989, serving as a city councilor from 2001 to 2016 and as chairman of the SPD parliamentary group in Darmstadt’s city council from 2006 to 2016.
Hanno Benz emerged victorious in the mayoral elections held on March 19 and April 2, 2023, securing the majority of votes.
Image: Sandra Kühnapfel
Source: Press Office of the Science City Darmstadt
How does Hanno Benz plan to promote Darmstadt’s status as a science city and innovation hub
R, Jochen Partsch, for his dedication and service to the city of Darmstadt. He acknowledged Partsch’s achievements and expressed his commitment to build upon them and continue the progress made under his leadership.
Hanno Benz also outlined his key priorities as mayor. He highlighted the need to promote Darmstadt’s status as a renowned science city and innovation hub. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the city’s research institutions, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and attracting investment in technology and innovation. Benz also expressed his commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, stating that Darmstadt should aim to become a model for green and sustainable practices.
Furthermore, Hanno Benz stressed the significance of social inclusion and diversity. He emphasized that Darmstadt should be a city where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background or circumstances. He highlighted his goal to work towards a more inclusive society by promoting equal opportunities, supporting social initiatives, and ensuring access to education and healthcare for all residents of Darmstadt.
As he concluded his speech, Benz expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the citizens of Darmstadt. He reaffirmed his dedication to serving the city and its residents to the best of his abilities, and vowed to uphold the democratic values and principles that define Darmstadt.
With Hanno Benz’s inauguration, Darmstadt looks forward to a new era of leadership and continued progress as it continues to thrive as a science city and innovative hub.
