Teterow in dialogue: Citizens want more transparency and ideas!

Teterow in dialogue: Citizens want more transparency and ideas!

Teterow, in the Rostock district, is currently under discussion because the city will soon be preparing for a new mayoral election. The time has come on March 1, 2026, and it's causing excitement in the city. Preparations are already in full swing and discussions about Teterow's future direction have begun. The city council appears to be in a partially hardened state; Two factions even tried to send Mayor Andreas Lange (independent) on compulsory vacation, which further heated up the atmosphere. But what happens next?

Yesterday evening the first event in the discussion series “Teterow can do more” took place in the auditorium of the European School Gymnasium Teterow, organized by the Zepelin Foundation Appelhagen. Around 50 citizens came together to formulate their ideas and wishes for the future of the city. The motto is intended to point out Teterow's untapped potential and offers space for numerous suggestions. Topics such as better rail connections to Rostock, lack of cycle paths and youth offers were discussed. “We have to create more transparency in the city administration,” demanded Udo Müller, a 56-year-old businessman. He criticized the fact that many decisions in the past were made behind closed doors, which has undermined citizens' trust.

Citizen participation in focus

The desire for better exchange is also the central goal of these events. Henning Bombeck, an urban developer and lecturer, moderated the discussion calmly and constructively. Mayor Lange and mayor Christian Wolter (AfD) were also present and took an active part. Citizens have shown a good hand and seized the opportunity to express their concerns directly. The ideas collected will now be deepened in further rounds. Topics such as municipal heat planning, club life and the housing situation are on the agenda for the upcoming discussions.

The Zepelin Foundation is planning three more rounds, which will be announced, in order to shed more light on these points. The background to the initiative is the realization that Teterow lacks trust in politics; Many citizens feel powerless when it comes to political decisions. The development of transparent citizen participation can act as the key to a vibrant democracy, writes Denkenpolitik, because active participation of citizens in decisions not only promotes a sense of community, but also trust in local institutions.

Wishes of the people of Teterow

The wishes from the first rounds of discussion are diverse. In addition to better connections to public transport and more leisure opportunities for young people, the population is also demanding the construction of a hotel for bus companies and the improvement of water sports opportunities on Lake Teterow. Another wish is to preserve the rural environment without wind turbines, which points to the importance of natural resources. These topics not only reflect the needs of citizens, but also the current debate about sustainable urban development.

Overall, it shows that the people of Teterow are ready to raise their voices and actively participate in shaping their city. The exchange, which begins yesterday, could be the first step into a new era of citizen participation in Teterow. “We can achieve more if we work together,” summarized Mayor Lange. The city can take the next step towards new elections with a sharper vision and clear wishes.