The matter is now clear.

There is no longer a relevant faction in the Frankfurt city council that believes that Lord Mayor Peter Feldmann (SPD) should remain in office until the end of his electoral term.

He is already being advised to resign.

At the latest at the moment when the regional court allows the charges against him, he is even demanded.

But what happens if Feldmann still hasn't come to the realization that one can no longer remain in office under such circumstances – presumption of innocence or not?

This is where a dilemma begins for the city councillors, which must not become a trap for them.

There may be many months before the indictment is approved, as the agony at the city's leaders continues.

But then, and the factions in Römer must put this on the agenda of their meetings, there is no way around a motion to vote out in Römer.

Why now?

It is inconceivable that the charges will be brought, Feldmann will continue to do nothing - and then the city council will just sit back and do nothing.

At this point, the vote must be applied for, and the parliamentary groups must be prepared for this.

Because the deselection should be decided with the broadest majority up to a desirable unanimity.

In view of the expressions of opinion of the parties in the Römer, this should not and should not be a major problem.

In any case, a signal is needed that Feldmann can only ignore if he decides that from now on he really doesn't care about anything that was once important to him politically.

The motion to vote out follows in the further steps outlined by the municipal statutes, although a vote among the citizens of Frankfurt.

In this ballot, a fairly high quorum of 30 percent of those entitled to vote must be reached, and there is a possibility that the vote will fail if this does not succeed.

That would actually be a problem.

But the city councilors mustn't be put off by this: If all parties in the city mobilize against Feldmann, this hurdle must be cleared.

Because in the dispute with Feldmann, the parties in the Römer must retain their ability to act.

Feldmann still has the chance at any time to avert this development, which is a disaster for the city and the image it presents.

He could then focus on his defense at leisure.

He should take this chance.