"Fortify the Binding Element"
In the heart of Germany, Düsseldorf has been under the guidance of Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller since November 2020. A native of Aachen and a family man with three children, Keller has brought a unique blend of leadership and democratic values to the city.
Keller, who is also the chairman of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, has been instrumental in promoting Düsseldorf as a bustling business location, hosting events like the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships, and strengthening its international reputation as an economic powerhouse, popular for foreign direct investments.
When it comes to navigating crises, Keller believes in the power of delegation, steering, and setting impulses. He is of the opinion that crises have a way of sharpening focus and revealing the strengths and weaknesses of political systems.
In his public office, Keller has emphasised unity within the city society, focusing on unifying aspects and strengthening aid organisations, religious communities, sports clubs, and volunteer-run institutions. He is a firm believer in democracy, viewing it as a system that guarantees the respect and protection of individual dignity, balances individual freedom and equality, and ensures peace and prosperity.
However, personal insults have unfortunately become common during his tenure, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keller does not condone resignation from public office due to such situations, viewing it as a part of democracy. He and his team always report any form of insult or threat against themselves or the employees of the city administration.
Keller is also a proponent of democracy's ability to tolerate a wide range of opinions, but not those beyond the boundaries of democracy and freedom. He does not support any form of nationalist sentiment, as evidenced by his stance on the title "A German Liederabend" for Heino's tour, which he has confirmed contains no nationalist elements.
In his efforts to maintain transparency, Keller communicates openly and makes decisions understandable to keep the city society together. He regularly meets with representatives of branches and institutions affected by crises to understand their concerns and make decisions transparently.
A notable initiative that aligns with Keller's democratic values is "Faces of Democracy," founded by Sven Lilienstroem in 2017. This initiative has generated additional media attention with 100 prominent personalities and over one million supporters, further emphasising the importance of democracy in today's society.
As a hobby cyclist, Keller finds solace in the city he leads, with Düsseldorf hosting other major sporting events in its calendar, though the Grand Départ of the Tour de France is not currently on the horizon. Despite the challenges, Keller remains committed to Düsseldorf's Rhenish traditions while fostering an open-minded, tolerant, and international city.
- Keller, as both Mayor of Düsseldorf and chairman of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, has been actively shaping the city's financial landscape by promoting it as a prime business location, attracting events like the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships, and boosting its standing as a global economic powerhouse.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics, Keller advocates for a tolerant and inclusive democracy, preventing any form of nationalist sentiment, and maintains transparency in his decision-making process to ensure the general-news community understands his strategies.
- Beyond his political and financial endeavors, Keller, a hobby cyclist, cherishes the city he leads, supporting its yearly sporting events and upholding its Rhenish traditions while fostering a diverse, open-minded, and welcoming environment for all.
