Former Mayor of Chemnitz Dr Peter Seifert honoured with the Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class
Mayor Barbara Ludwig: Dr Seifert's persuasiveness and foresight have set the decisive course for successful development in Chemnitz
Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig, who had nominated her predecessor for this honour on the occasion of his 70th birthday last year for his extraordinary services as Lord Mayor of the City of Chemnitz and his outstanding social commitment, congratulates Dr Peter Seifert on this award:
"Dr Peter Seifert was the right man in the right place at the right time. His foresight and persuasiveness have set the decisive course for the development of our city. With prudence, passion and tenacity, he worked towards his goal of moving Chemnitz forward. Dr Seifert made a significant contribution to the continued existence and reorientation of industry in Chemnitz. It is also thanks to his efforts that Chemnitz, an industrial location rich in tradition, is now one of the most efficient and fastest-growing economic centres in Germany. He is held in high esteem by the city's entrepreneurs.
Throughout his time in office, Dr Seifert faced up to an unprecedentedly difficult urban development situation with passion and prudence. With extraordinary commitment, he successfully implemented an inner-city development process that is unique in this form in Germany. At the head of the city council and city administration, Dr Seifert created the political and urban planning conditions for the creation of a new urban centre in Chemnitz."
Dr Peter Seifert was also one of the city's most active citizens in the autumn of 1989, right at the beginning of the social changes in what was then Karl-Marx-Stadt. Without hesitation, he took on the responsibility for a new, democratically organised local politics. As a result of the local elections in May 1990, he initially served as 1st Deputy Mayor and from 1993 to 2006 as Lord Mayor of the City of Chemnitz.
"Since retiring from the office of Lord Mayor, Dr Peter Seifert has been involved in voluntary work in a variety of ways," said Barbara Ludwig. "He has remained true to his city and his mission, now as a community worker."
As Chairman of the University Council of Chemnitz University of Technology, Chairman of the Society of Friends of Chemnitz University of Technology and President of the Chemnitz Athletics Club, he has been making significant contributions to science, teaching, research and sport for many years.
Dr Peter Seifert was already awarded the Saxon Constitutional Medal in May 2011.
Federal Cross of Merit
The Federal Cross of Merit has been awarded since 1951 for special achievements in the political, economic, cultural, intellectual or honorary fields.