Scandal in Radolfzell: Honorary citizenship for Nazi mayors remains!

Scandal in Radolfzell: Honorary citizenship for Nazi mayors remains!

The city of Radolfzell is faced with a questionable decision: The municipal council plans to confirm the honorary citizenship of the former NSDAP mayor August Kratt. In recent years, Kratt's Nazi past has been examined more precisely after reports about it were published in 2023. Despite the enormous controversy and legitimate concerns, which resulted from these revelations, the working group suggests memory culture not to disregard the honorary citizenship.

The details of Kratt's life are anything but unproblematic. He was born on October 30, 1882 in Karlsruhe and was from 1942 until the end of the war at the end of the provisional mayor of Radolfzell. As early as 1933, Kratt was a member of the NSDAP and was considered in research as an active functionary and supporter of the SS. His commitment within National Socialism is clear, as is his relationship with the local weapon SS, which in the past played a major role in the pogroms of November 9, 1938 and was involved in the deportation of Jews from Baden.

historical background

In recent years, the culture of remembrance in Germany has changed considerably. The processing of one's own history, in particular with regard to the atrocities of National Socialism, has become a central point of the state ranks for many. This also includes a critical examination of characters such as Kratt, the legacy of which was often insufficiently questioned. Historically, this was not always the case after the Second World War. Many in the post -war society did not want to know about the crimes or pushed responsibility on others.

The decision of the Radolfzeller municipal council to maintain honorary citizenship could be interpreted as a step back into this past. One of Dr. Carmen Scheine created reports that relativizes Kratt's role and responds to positive aspects of his biography is criticized by many. Among other things, it is mentioned that he signed field post letters to Wehrmacht soldiers, which were very National Socialist. Critics point out that such actions cannot be considered moral resistance.

official considerations and political reactions

On March 11, 2025, the report was presented in a non -public meeting, and the municipal council planned the vote on the possible disgrace of honorary citizenship for June 24, 2025. It is interesting that the Free Green List has already made an application for discretion and that the support of the Jewish Museum Gailingen demands. The city of Radolfzell and Dr. Carmen Scheide have not yet commented on the results of the report, and inquiries on this topic resulted in high fees and long waiting times.

The shadows of the past seem to hang over Radolfzell. This case is not only a local topic, but also affects the broader discussion about how Germany deals with its history. Even if there are different and local perspectives, the question remains: How do we process a past that contains many painful memories? While society continues to meet the challenges of this culture of remembrance, it remains to be seen how the debates about Kratt and the associated moral questions will develop.

we are looking forward to the upcoming decision of the local council and whether Radolfzell will find a clear line in the processing of its historical obligations.