Dear Frankfurters,
In the time "between the years", we would like to pause and look together at our city, at what is to come and what lies behind us. Our Frankfurt stands for a lively combination of tradition and progress - a legacy that was decisively shaped 100 years ago by the then Lord Mayor Ludwig Landmann.
Landmann took office in difficult times, marked by the consequences of the First World War and political instability. But we still benefit from his impulses today, and his work reminds us that even major challenges can be overcome with foresight, courage and determination.
We are facing up to the challenges of our time, tackling ambitious infrastructure projects and investing in Frankfurt's future: in affordable housing, education, buses and trains as well as in the culture of our city. But we know that as important as the major projects are, it is just as important to look at the city's districts. We are therefore united in our efforts to make our city cleaner and to further improve the situation in the station district. This is the only way to ensure that Frankfurt remains attractive for everyone in terms of its diversity and quality of life.
We have significantly raised the income limits for the Frankfurt Pass and made it much easier to apply. This makes visiting museums, swimming pools, Frankfurt Zoo and many other attractions much cheaper for many Frankfurters. If you are eligible, please take advantage of this offer. For children and young people, there is the offer of the culture and leisure ticket and we stand by the fact that there will be no daycare fees in Frankfurt.
Our city is a cultural and economic center, but also one of the most important financial metropolises in the world. The establishment of the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority, which was decided last year, strengthens this role. At the same time, Frankfurt remains a strong industrial location, as demonstrated by Sanofi's investment of more than one billion euros in the industrial park to expand insulin production in the west. These developments secure jobs and create value - a clear sign of the strength and future viability of our economic region. With Vulcan Energie, sustainable lithium will also come from Frankfurt-Höchst from now on. Even in difficult economic times, we are building on our strength.
People from almost every nation in the world live in Frankfurt, but our cosmopolitanism is also evident in our international exchange: the city partnership with the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was established last year, is an expression of our solidarity and our desire for a just peace. The visit to Lviv was a sign of solidarity and we all hope for an early end to the war in the middle of Europe. During our delegation's trip to Tel Aviv-Yafo, we spoke with various population groups in the Jewish-Arab community center who are living their lives together there. That gave us hope. It is important that the suffering of the civilian population ends on both sides.
Let's look ahead. The year 2025 awaits with further urgent tasks: We need to create affordable housing, renovate and build schools, expand transportation infrastructure, fight climate change and further strengthen the economy. We will work for social justice, secure the energy supply and never lose sight of our goal of making Frankfurt a climate-neutral city worth living in for everyone. At the same time, creating and maintaining affordable rents in Frankfurt remains one of the most important tasks we face. The federal government must extend the rent freeze.
These challenges are great, but they also give us the opportunity to actively shape the future - in the tradition of Ludwig Landmann, who said: "Nothing should stop us from pursuing great goals."
Ludwig Landmann's story also reminds us of the darker side of the past. Back then, our city failed. The persecution by the National Socialists because of his Jewish origins and his emigration remind us how important it is to stand up for democracy, freedom and justice and against racism and anti-Semitism. These values are just as central today as they were then - and they demand our resolute commitment.
In the past year, our city has impressively demonstrated that we stand up for democracy and cohesion. Demonstrations against hatred and hate speech made it clear that we will not be divided. At the same time, the European Football Championship in the host city of Frankfurt was an impressive example of how internationally, cheerfully and peacefully we can celebrate together. Our thanks go to the many volunteers who made this success possible in the first place.
Frankfurt thrives on its openness to the world, the energy of its citizens and its diversity. We may have different histories, work, believe and live differently. What unites us is the will to live together in this city peacefully and with respect for one another. We are certain that together we can overcome the challenges of our time. Let us approach the new year with confidence and energy. Let's not play each other off, let's be there for each other.
We wish you, your families and friends a healthy, happy and successful 2025. May it be a year of cohesion, peace, hope and shared progress.
Yours, Hilime Arslaner, Head of City Council
Yours, Mike Josef, Lord Mayor
