Munich, March 25, (dpa/GNA) – Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter, on Wednesday said he is seriously ill, days after losing his re-election race to a challenger from the Greens.
“Unfortunately, over the past few weeks and months, I have ignored physical warning signs and failed to fully recover from illnesses,” Reiter said in a statement issued by the Bavarian capital.
“The result is now a rather more serious condition affecting the cardiovascular system, which, in addition to medication, is forcing me to take a prolonged period of rest and recuperation,” the mayor continued, adding that he began treatment immediately after the election.
Following his defeat in Sunday’s run-off vote, Reiter made only a brief appearance at his Social Democratic Party (SPD) election event, where he announced the end of his political career.
He has been signed off sick until further notice, reports said afterwards.
The newly elected mayor-elect, Dominik Krause, subsequently took over the duties of office, weeks before his actual inauguration on May 1.
However, Reiter does not intend to disappear without a trace.
“Of course, I will bid farewell to the people of Munich in a fitting manner and personally hand over the reins of office to my successor,” the 67-year-old announced.
Reiter was considered the overwhelming favourite to retain his position until it emerged, that he had been receiving money from Bayern Munich for a position on its administrative advisory board without necessary approval from the city council.
The mayor came under heavy criticism, above all for the way he handled the matter.
GNA