Germany’s Green Party officially nominated Kurdish politician Berivan Aymaz on Saturday as their candidate for mayor of Cologne in the upcoming September municipal elections. Cologne, the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany’s fourth most populous city, could see Aymaz becoming its first Kurdish mayor.

A Historic Nomination

Aymaz, who was first proposed as the Greens’ candidate in December, expressed her gratitude and aspirations following the official nomination. “Cologne has not only become home for me, as someone with a Kurdish background, but also for many people from Kurdistan. I would be very happy if I could, through my work, inspire them to participate in local politics,” she told Rudaw.

Born in 1972 in Bingöl, a Kurdish-majority province in southeast Turkey, Aymaz moved to Germany with her family at the age of six. A member of the Green Party since 2009, Aymaz has held several key positions, including her election to the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament in 2017. Since 2022, she has served as the vice president of the state parliament and spokesperson for European affairs.

Challenges Ahead

Aymaz acknowledged the challenges facing Cologne, particularly its financial struggles. “Our city is not in a good state. The budget is empty, and as the largest municipality in this state and the fourth-largest in Germany, we have very, very big responsibilities ahead of us,” she explained during the nomination event.

In a statement, Aymaz emphasized the need for empathy, courage, and confidence to address the city’s pressing issues.

Support from the Green Party

The nomination event was attended by Felix Banaszak, leader of the Green Party in North Rhine-Westphalia, who praised Aymaz’s energy and determination. “You are the personified powerhouse of constantly renewable energies,” he remarked.

The Green Party has seen significant electoral success in recent years, securing 39 out of 195 seats in the last parliamentary elections. Aymaz’s candidacy reflects the party’s growing influence and commitment to diversity.

A Voice for the Kurdish Community

Germany is home to over one million Kurds, many of whom have fled persecution or conflict in Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. Aymaz urged Kurds to exercise their right to vote, emphasizing their commitment to achieving progress through democratic means.

“Cologne has become a home for many people from Kurdistan,” Aymaz said, highlighting her desire to inspire greater political participation among the Kurdish diaspora.

If elected, Aymaz would not only break new ground as a Kurdish mayor but also bring a focus on inclusivity and sustainability to one of Germany’s most vibrant cities.