Leverkusen, Germany – A planned restructuring of Leverkusen’s city administration, intended to streamline operations and reduce costs, has been place on hold following questions raised regarding the formal qualifications of appointed officials. The pilot project, which aimed to reduce the number of city councilors (Dezernenten) and redistribute responsibilities, particularly within the finance and digitalization sectors, has been temporarily shelved pending further review.
The pause comes after the recent removal of Stadtkämmerer (City Treasurer) Michael Molitor, triggering a formal review of the administrative structure. According to a press release issued by the City of Leverkusen on February 23, 2026, the Bezirksregierung Köln (Cologne District Government) contacted the city prior to a scheduled council meeting to inquire about the qualifications of the Beigeordneten (deputy mayors). This inquiry centers around adherence to the Gemeindeordnung für das Land Nordrhein-Westfalen (GO NRW), the municipal code for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Pilot Project Halted Amidst Qualification Concerns
The core issue revolves around § 71 of the GO NRW, specifically concerning the qualifications required of Beigeordneten. The law stipulates that deputy mayors must possess the necessary professional qualifications and sufficient experience for their roles. In larger cities like Leverkusen, at least one Beigeordneter must hold the qualification to serve as a judge or have completed the second state examination in general administrative service within North Rhine-Westphalia (Laufbahngruppe 2, zweites Einstiegsamt). The city’s press release details this legal framework.
The removal of Molitor prompted a re-evaluation of the administrative board – comprised of the Mayor (Oberbürgermeister), the Treasurer (Kämmerer) and the Beigeordneten – to ensure compliance with these regulations. The city has stated that Oberbürgermeister Stefan Hebbel meets the formal qualifications outlined in the municipal code and currently oversees six departments. This suggests the scrutiny is focused on the remaining members of the administrative board and their suitability under the revised structure.
Previous Attempts to Restructure and Molitor’s Departure
The current situation builds upon previous efforts to restructure the city’s administration. As reported by RP Online, the city council had previously attempted to remove Molitor in October 2025, but fell short of the required two-thirds majority. A second attempt was scheduled for the February 23, 2026 council meeting, with 60 of the 72 council members reportedly supporting his removal. The Klimaleiste and AfD parties did not sign the petition.
Molitor had previously announced his intention to resign, citing a lack of trust from both the city leadership and some council members. He likewise alluded to internal conflicts and disagreements within the city administration, stating he had “swallowed remarkably much for the sake of peace.” His departure led to a disciplinary process and his temporary suspension from duties. Marc Adomat, the Stadtdirektor (City Director), has been serving as interim Finanzdezernent during this period.
The Proposed New Structure
The pilot project aimed to reduce the number of Dezernenten by one, consolidating responsibilities and potentially reducing administrative costs. The finance and digitalization portfolios were slated to be redistributed among the remaining councilors. This restructuring was intended to be a temporary measure, tested for a period of time before any permanent changes were implemented. However, the legal questions surrounding the qualifications of the remaining officials have now put the project on hold.
Implications and Next Steps
The suspension of the pilot project highlights the importance of adhering to legal requirements when restructuring public administration. The Bezirksregierung Köln’s intervention underscores the oversight role of regional authorities in ensuring compliance with municipal laws. The city of Leverkusen has indicated its commitment to working with the Bezirksregierung to resolve the qualification concerns and ensure the proper composition of the administrative board.
The immediate priority for the city is to address the concerns raised by the Bezirksregierung and demonstrate that the remaining Beigeordneten meet the necessary qualifications. This may involve providing additional documentation, clarifying roles and responsibilities, or potentially reconsidering appointments. The outcome of this review will determine whether the pilot project can be revived and whether Leverkusen can proceed with its plans to streamline its administrative structure.
The next scheduled action is the ongoing review by the Bezirksregierung Köln, with no specific timeline currently available. The city has stated it will provide updates as the process unfolds. Stakeholders, including city council members, city employees, and residents, will be closely watching the developments as the future of Leverkusen’s administrative structure hangs in the balance.
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