Milestones of an eventful life

It was a long road from being a small child in a prefabricated housing estate in Bucharest to becoming the mayor of Görlitz.

Events such as the great earthquake in the capital of Romania, the terrifying participation in the popular uprising as a student, the fall of the Berlin Wall, all these are milestones that still shape my way of thinking and working today.

1967-1989 Childhood and youth in Bucharest

I was born on October 28, 1967, in Bucharest, Romania. I grew up in a large housing estate and attended school there. Later, also in Bucharest, I studied music and education. Historical events have profoundly shaped my life. In 1977, my family and I survived the catastrophic earthquake in Bucharest, which claimed many lives. The solidarity shown during this natural disaster and the people's efforts to rebuild are deeply ingrained in my childhood memories. Twelve years later, in December 1989, I, like many of my fellow students in Bucharest, participated in the popular uprising that led to the overthrow of the communist regime in Romania. The street demonstrations of that time and the struggle for freedom and democracy, which unfortunately also claimed many lives in Romania, will always remain with me. The Peaceful Revolution in the GDR in the autumn of 1989 and the popular uprising in Romania in December of the same year completely changed my life and led to my being able to come to Görlitz in the spring of 1990.

When I was in the spring of 1990

Having come to Görlitz by chance, I had no idea that our city and Germany would become my new home. After an audition, I was hired as a solo trumpet player at the theater. My main goal was to save money to buy new, good instruments. My plan was to return to Bucharest after two years at the latest. However, that same year, I met my future wife, Désirée, at the theater. Three years later, we started a family. At the same time, I studied at the Düsseldorf University of Music, where I earned my second degree in 1994. That time remains incredibly valuable to me, as it opened up new knowledge and perspectives.

Ready to take responsibility

Through my various volunteer activities, I quickly became involved in diverse aspects of life in Görlitz, both professionally and socially. When the CDU approached me about running for city council, I accepted and was elected for the first time in 2009. My political involvement increased steadily over the years. In 2010, I became CDU chairman in Görlitz, later also district chairman, was elected to the district council, and in 2014, succeeding Volker Bandmann, was elected to the Saxon State Parliament. There, I served on the committees for science, higher education, media, culture and tourism, as well as constitution, law, and Europe.

I'm honoured.

During this time in my role, I have learned how political processes work, how best to seize opportunities, and where to be aware of risks and pitfalls. For me, political responsibility arises primarily from the trust of the people. Those who are elected receive a vote of confidence, which carries with it an obligation. Since my election as mayor seven years ago, I have always understood this trust as a mandate to act reliably, honestly, and transparently in the best interests of the citizens. I intend to build on this foundation, with experience, courage, and optimism.