Data subjects will be made aware of the following details:

On August 29, 2025, a festive ceremony was held to bid farewell to Bernd Tischler, the outgoing mayor of Bottrop, who has served the city for 16 years and a total of 36 years. Around 300 guests attended the event, including NRW Minister of Education Dorothee Feller, Government President Andreas Bothe, and several mayors from neighbouring cities.

In his welcoming speech, Mayor Klaus Strehl reviewed Tischler's career, starting from his role as a department head for environmental planning in 1989. Tischler was appointed Technical Deputy Mayor in 2004 and was first elected Mayor in 2009. During his tenure, Tischler transformed Bottrop into a model city for energy efficiency and climate protection, a success story noticed nationally and internationally.

Minister Feller praised Tischler's "unceasing forward-thinking" and good cooperation during her time in Münster. She described him as reliable, trustworthy, and a good listener, with a conciliatory personality. Strehl also praised Tischler's approachable nature and his reputation as a caring mayor who listens to the people of Bottrop.

Tischler thanked the people of Bottrop for their great support and felt it as a great privilege to represent the city. He emphasised his belief that the Ruhr region has a shared future. The proportion of women in leadership positions in the city has increased from 18.5% in 2009 to 45%.

The musical framework for the event was provided by the Ruhrkohle Choir and students of the city's music school. The musical climax of the ceremony featured songs like "Work makes life sweet", "We are the dwarves of the third seam", and "You'll Never Walk Alone".

Present at the farewell event were Minister of Culture and Science Isabel Pfeiffer-Poensgen and Oberbürgermeisterkandidat Matthias Buschfeld, along with Bundestag member Nicklas Kappe, Landtag member Thomas Göddertz, Police President Friederike Zurhausen, and Judith Neuwald-Tasbach, former chair of the Jewish community in Gelsenkirchen. Representatives from various sectors of society, politics, associations, businesses, churches, academia, and administration were also in attendance.

Tischler will not be running in the upcoming municipal election in mid-September and will retire at the end of October. The number of socially insured employees in Bottrop has increased by 8,000 since 2009. Tischler's focus was on what unites people, and he places great value on good relationships with neighboring cities.

As Tischler steps down, the people of Bottrop will remember his dedication, vision, and commitment to the city. His legacy will continue to shape Bottrop for years to come.