The decision to deselect the party colleague was "made with the clear knowledge that Barbara Boczek does not have the requirement profile to fulfill the full range of tasks of a newly formed department with expanded and even more complex responsibilities".

This is the reason given by the chairman of the Green parliamentary group, Hilde Förster-Heldmann, in the message from the future Darmstadt coalitionaries of the Greens, CDU and Volt.

The admission, at least unfriendly in tone, “horrified and disappointed” city councilor Boczek, as she told the FAZ in an interview.

Jochen Remmert

Airport editor and correspondent Rhein-Main-Süd.

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    When asked whether the party leadership had not previously spoken to her about possible changes, Boczek replied that there had been no open discussion, only the announcement of a decision that had been made.

    In terms of content, this is in no way understandable.

    Misconduct, a scandal or a failure is not to be blamed for, the quality of her work as a planner and architect is also recognized in specialist circles.

    Of course, solid technical planning cannot always keep pace with a politically desired pace.

    Boczek: "I feel fit"

    After a serious illness that had meanwhile been overcome, because of which she had to pause for half a year, she was quite ready to take on further tasks, and said that too. She was all the more shocked by the decision that has now been published. “I feel fit,” said Boczek, adding that she would like to continue in the office. Förster-Heldmann's argumentation for the reason for the deselection is also incomprehensible for her because it speaks of an expansion of her department and more complex tasks. New department layouts and the distribution of tasks are only to be regulated in the coalition agreement, which is still being negotiated. Boczek has been a city councilor for around four years - including the sick leave. The party in which she only joined when she took office,she doesn't want to turn her back regardless of the current events. You take that as a "political decision".

    Reisser shows understanding

    In view of the disappointing results of the local elections for the CDU in Darmstadt, the Darmstadt Christian Democrats, on the other hand, are demonstrating modesty: the mayor Rafael Reiser accepted his removal “with understanding”, said CDU parliamentary group leader Roland Desch.

    In view of the outcome of the election, it is clear that the office of mayor will pass into other hands.

    What can be considered certain is that it is not the hands of the coalition's new junior partner, the pan-European Volt party, but those of one or one of the Greens.

    The power of the Greens continues to grow, also when it comes to the top positions in the city.

    Meanwhile, the Darmstadt SPD evaluates the vote scheduled for May 27th as an “admission of negligence” in matters of school, sport, housing and urban development. SPD chairman Tim Huss also calculates that the early deselection of Reisser and Boczek will cost around 162,000 euros per year each by 2023, as both are entitled to 70 percent of their previous salary.