Enlarge image
Peter Feldmann in the courtroom on November 9th
Photo: BORIS ROESSLER / AFP
In the corruption trial against the voted-out Frankfurt Mayor Peter Feldmann (SPD), the regional court announced its verdict this Friday.
Feldmann had to pay a fine of 120 daily rates at 175 euros in two cases for accepting an advantage, as the Frankfurt Regional Court announced on Friday, a total of 21,000 euros.
He is considered to have a criminal record as soon as the verdict is final.
The SPD politician was accused of accepting advantages in several cases in the proceedings, and he himself has repeatedly denied the allegations.
The focus of the proceedings is an overpaid job of his then girlfriend and later wife at the head of a newly created German-Turkish daycare center run by Arbeiterwohlfahrt (Awo).
Public prosecutors had demanded a fine of 31,500 euros
This was only granted by Awo because it was the mayor's girlfriend, the public prosecutor's office explained in their plea.
In addition, according to the allegations, there was a bogus mini-job and a company car.
The proceedings also involved campaign donations collected for Feldmann by Awo.
In return, Feldmann, as a politician, behaved benevolently towards the social association, the public prosecutor explained in their plea and demanded a total fine of 31,500 euros.
Defense drew a "terrifying picture" of the processes within the Awo
Feldmann's defense, on the other hand, saw their client's innocence confirmed and requested an acquittal.
The taking of evidence showed that "there were a number of serious grievances at Awo," said Christian Graßie.
Witnesses painted a "terrifying picture" of the processes within the organization.
It cannot be ruled out that Feldmann's wife, from whom he has since separated, would have been employed under the same conditions even if she had not been the mayor's partner at the time.
Before taking up a managerial position at Awo, Feldmann worked as a lecturer and for other social organizations.
He joined the SPD at the age of 16, became a city councilor in 1989 and remained so until his election as mayor.
Feldmann's issues, which he successfully promoted, included affordable housing and more benefits for families.
Feldmann was voted out of office in a referendum in November.
In March, a new mayor will be elected in the Hessian metropolis.
swe/dpa
