Ostfildern celebrates: Mayor Christof Bolay receives a medal of honor for 20 years!

Ostfildern celebrates: Mayor Christof Bolay receives a medal of honor for 20 years!

On May 23, 2025, Christof Bolay, the mayor of Ostfildern, was honored by the local council for 20 years in office. Bolay, who has been Herbert Rösch's successor since his election on February 20, 2005, was awarded the Silver Medal of the Baden-Württemberg Association of Cities for his services. Michael Makurath, the longest-serving mayor in Baden-Württemberg, presented the honor and paid tribute to Bolay for his level-headed manner and his great mediation talent.

Bolay, a native of Heilbronn who was born in 1968, has had an impressive career. After graduating from high school in Leonberg and doing community service in Stuttgart, he studied literature and political science before working in various positions in the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics. Among other things, he was active as office manager for the State Secretary and as a consultant for vocational training and technology policy.

Honor and review

The ceremony for the honor took place in front of a packed local council. Makurath presented the medal with humorous references to Bolay's passion for VfB Stuttgart, which caused some amusement. In his speech, Bolay recalled the difficulties he felt before taking office while expressing his confidence in the role of mayor. He was praised by his companions for his rhetorical skills and his ability to communicate.

The elections that Bolay has contested in the past demonstrate the broad support he enjoys among citizens. In the election on February 24, 2013, he was confirmed for a second term with 97.8% of the vote, and in 2021 he managed to be re-elected with 68.6%. However, voter turnout was variable in both elections, showing that there are challenges in local politics.

Challenges of local politics

Local politics is a central element of democracy in Germany, as the structure of political work in cities and municipalities shows. The Basic Law guarantees cities and municipalities the right to local self-government. Citizens can elect their representatives and also have the opportunity to use direct democratic instruments to participate in decision-making processes. The challenges associated with local politics should not be underestimated, especially in view of the increasing violence against local politicians.

In 2020 there were alarming statistics showing that a significant proportion of local politicians in Germany have already been insulted or threatened. These threats are increasing in many communities, especially with larger populations. This also includes the recent incidents when Bolay was massively attacked by anti-vaccination activists on social media after he banned unannounced corona demonstrations.

In summary, Christof Bolay will be remembered not only as an honorable mayor, but also as a politician who must meet the challenges of today. His honor is not only a tribute to his 20 years in office, but also a sign of the importance of stable and far-sighted leadership in municipal affairs.