Marburg News: Marburg 2011: Energy policy change, local elections and 50 years of German-French friendship

Marburg 2011: Energy policy change, local elections and 50 years of German-French friendship

Marburg had a promising and exciting year in 2011! One positive example was the University City's change in its energy policy long before the decision of the German Bundestag on the 30th of June 2011 was passed phasing out nuclear power. Marburg is not only moving towards the future with its solar code, which requires homeowners to instal solar panels to generate heat, but also with its solar cadastral land register, which gives each homeowner the opportunity to check on the Internet whether the roof of his house is suitable to generate electricity and heat. Along with many other activities, a municipal energy consultant now provides independent information not related to supplier companies. However, not only the energy policy is changing, but also the local contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas CO2 in the form of a new local climate concept, which enjoyed wide participation by the Marburg population.

Marburg's politicians are pursuing both old and new paths. Deputy Mayor Dr. Franz Kahle can be seen riding through the streets of the upper and lower town on his electric bicycle. Mayor Egon Vaupel and Councillor Dr. Kerstin make their way to the suburbs of Marburg in official cars running on natural gas. In the local elections of 27 March, the population of Marburg confirmed the coalition of Social-Democrats and Greens. They also overwhelmingly re-elected Egon Vaupel as Mayor. The city parliament once again decided in favour of Dr. Franz Kahle as Deputy Mayor and Dr. Kerstin Weinbach as Councillor.

However, the electric bicycles astonished not only the citizens of Marburg, but also guests from the French twin city of Poitiers. They came to Marburg early in the summer of 2009 to gather ideas for the 50th anniversary in 2011. Some of the most important were the reciprocal visits of delegations to the "Harbour fest” and the City Festival in Marburg, and to the street and arts festival "Les expressifs” in Poitiers. With the exhibitions and the French-German wedding of a Marburger and a Poitevin, who had met at the 40th anniversary celebration, both cities shared and renewed their local contribution to French-German reconciliation in a variety of ways.

To continue energetically on the road taken is still the motto of the City Council employees. Press releases and newsletters in German, English and French will be sent out again in 2012. Christian Ackermann is now responsible for administrative matters related to twinning.

After the new energy policy, the local elections and 50 years of German-French friendship there is only one more thing the partners in the information network can wish for: to make the right choice in all professional and personal situations and to enjoy anniversary celebrations in their friendships and relationships.