Inauguration of Lord Mayor Sven Schulze
At today's city council meeting, Lord Mayor Sven Schulze was ceremoniously sworn in in front of city councillors and guests of honour, including 20 Chemnitz residents from a wide range of areas - representing the social, cultural and professional diversity of Chemnitz.
Councillor Dr Dieter Füßlein, who as the longest-serving member of Chemnitz City Council had been elected by the City Council for this special task, administered the oath of office.
After being sworn in, Sven Schulze said in his inaugural speech:
"This office demands a lot, especially in turbulent times like the ones we are all experiencing right now. And yet I am confident that we can and will continue to successfully move our city forward together. I know how great the responsibility is, how high the expectations are. On us as a 'city' and on me in particular."
"You can rely on my willingness to engage in dialogue and solve problems. On my endeavours to create and advance things, to do what is possible instead of saying what is not possible."
He attaches great importance to economic and technical development in Chemnitz: "I came into office with the promise that business would once again become a top priority in the town hall. And I want to fulfil this promise. Companies that want to locate or expand here must be given unbureaucratic support. It's about speedy authorisation procedures and investment security. To this end, I have set up a 'Business and Digitalisation Unit' directly within my office, which deals specifically with companies' concerns and supports them."
The spoken word prevails.