Wolfgang Schuster: A Legacy of Leadership in Stuttgart
Wolfgang Schuster is a distinguished German politician and lawyer whose career is defined by his long-standing commitment to urban development, intercultural dialogue, and civic administration. Most notably serving as the Lord Mayor of Stuttgart, Schuster navigated the complexities of one of Germany's most economically vital cities, balancing ambitious infrastructure projects with social initiatives.
Key Facts
- Role: Lord Mayor of Stuttgart from 1996 to 2013.
- Education: Doctorate in civil law; alumnus of the Paris École nationale d'administration (ENA).
- Major Project: Oversaw the approval and initiation of Stuttgart 21.
- International Role: President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (elected 2010).
- Key Awards: UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize and a nomination for FAZ "Reformer of the Year."
Academic Foundation and Early Career
Schuster's professional journey began with a rigorous academic background in law and political science, studying in Tübingen, Geneva, and Freiburg between 1969 and 1973. During this period, he was a member of Guestfalia Tübingen, a prominent Catholic student association. Following his studies, he underwent training in Ulm from 1974 to 1976 and subsequently earned a doctorate in civil law.
To further his administrative expertise, Schuster attended the prestigious École nationale d'administration (ENA) in Paris from 1976 to 1977, a school renowned for training high-level civil servants.
The Path to the Mayoralty
Schuster entered the political arena in 1975 as a representative of the CDU (Christian Democratic Union) on the Ulm city council. His rise in local governance continued as he served as the personal assistant to Manfred Rommel starting in 1985. In 1986, he was elected mayor of Schwäbisch Gmünd, a position he held until 1993.
By 1996, Schuster moved to the Baden-Württemberg capital, Stuttgart, initially serving as the burgomaster (deputy mayor) for arts, education, and sport. Later that year, on November 10, 1996, he won the election for Lord Mayor of Stuttgart in a second ballot, defeating the Alliance '90/The Greens candidate Rezzo Schlauch with 43.1% of the vote compared to 39.3%.
He was re-elected on October 24, 2004, securing 53.3% of the vote in the second ballot. His victory was supported by the withdrawal of Boris Palmer (Alliance '90/The Greens) after the first ballot, who recommended his supporters back Schuster over the SPD candidate, Ute Kumpf.
Political Priorities and Social Contributions
Throughout his tenure, Schuster focused on economic growth, construction, and the creation of a child-friendly urban environment. He aimed to make Stuttgart the most child-friendly city in Germany, a goal he pursued by establishing the EU Cities for Children network in partnership with the Robert Bosch Foundation and Daimler.
Schuster also championed intercultural dialogue and religious pluralism. He founded the Stuttgart Religious Round Table to facilitate the sharing of religious ideas. His efforts in integrating immigrant communities earned him the UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize.
Beyond the city limits, Schuster represented the Deutsche Städtetag (a voluntary coalition of German county boroughs and district-affiliated towns) and served on the broadcasting council of SWR radio. In 2010, his influence extended across the continent when he was elected president of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Schuster's administration was marked by strong economic development, which contributed significantly to his 2004 re-election. His most high-profile legacy is Stuttgart 21, a massive rail project designed to replace the existing terminus station with a new underground through station, improving connections to surface and underground lines. The project received official approval on July 19, 2007.
His leadership earned him several accolades, including being longlisted for the 2008 World Mayor award and being ranked as the second most successful mayor in Germany by Wirtschaftswoche magazine. Furthermore, Chancellor Angela Merkel appointed him as the German member of the "Council of Wise Men to Rethink Europe," a 12-person reflection group led by former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez.
| Period | Position/Role | Key Focus/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1986–1993 | Mayor of Schwäbisch Gmünd | Local administration |
| 1996–2013 | Lord Mayor of Stuttgart | Stuttgart 21, Economic Growth |
| 2010–2013 | President, Council of European Municipalities and Regions | European municipal cooperation |
| 2008 | Council of Wise Men to Rethink Europe | European strategic reflection |
Controversies and Setbacks
Despite his successes, Schuster faced significant criticism regarding the Stuttgart 21 project. Opponents accused him of breaking a 2004 campaign promise to hold a referendum if the city's additional costs exceeded €200 million. While the Greens publicly condemned him, Schuster maintained that the projected cost increase for the city was only €84 million, thus not triggering the referendum threshold.
Public opposition grew in November 2007, with a citizens' petition gathering 67,000 signatures. However, legal appeals for a referendum were deemed unlawful because contracts had already been signed and the project was funded by multiple entities, including Deutsche Bahn, the EU, and the state of Baden-Württemberg.
Other setbacks mentioned by critics include Stuttgart's unsuccessful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games and the cancellation of a proposed German Trump Tower in the north of the city.
Schuster concluded his term as Lord Mayor on January 6, 2013, and was named an "honoured citizen" (Ehrenbürger). He was succeeded by Fritz Kuhn of the German Green party, the first post-war mayor of Stuttgart not affiliated with the CDU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Stuttgart 21 project?
Stuttgart 21 is a major rail infrastructure project aimed at converting Stuttgart's main railway station from a terminal station into an underground through station to improve efficiency and connectivity.
Why was Wolfgang Schuster criticized by the Green Party?
He was accused of backtracking on a promise to hold a referendum on Stuttgart 21 if the city's costs increased by more than €200 million; Schuster denied this, stating the costs were well below that limit.
What international honors did Wolfgang Schuster receive?
He received the UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize for his work with immigrant integration and was appointed by Angela Merkel to the "Council of Wise Men to Rethink Europe."
How did Schuster contribute to child welfare in Stuttgart?
He aimed to make Stuttgart Germany's most child-friendly city and co-founded the EU Cities for Children network with Daimler and the Robert Bosch Foundation.
Who succeeded Wolfgang Schuster as Lord Mayor?
He was succeeded by Fritz Kuhn, who was the first mayor of Stuttgart since World War II not to be a member of the CDU.