MERA25 will stand in the March 2026 municipal elections in Kassel with a programme focused on social justice, environmental responsibility and democratic participation. The candidates for the City Council are Michael Stade and Sina Albrecht.

Michael Stade, born in 1953, has lived in Kassel since childhood and worked for several decades in youth services. After training as an insurance clerk, he studied social work, social pedagogy and social sciences in Kassel and Göttingen. He has been retired since 2015 and lives in the Wehlheiden district. He is married and has one child.

Politically, Stade advocates stronger involvement of local district councils in municipal decision-making, greater transparency in city politics and the expansion of European exchange through Kassel’s partner cities. Another key concern for him is the equal consideration of all modes of transport in urban planning.

Sina Albrecht studies computer science and musicology and has been politically active since childhood, particularly in environmental protection, inclusion and social participation.

Her political priorities include data protection, digital security and the defence of freedom of expression. She is also committed to cultural diversity and strengthening the link between art and politics. On a voluntary basis, she supports cultural institutions and integration projects. A member of DiEM25 and MERA25 since May 2025, she is now running for the Kassel City Council.

Programme priorities

In policy terms, MERA25 Kassel prioritises affordable housing, expansion of social housing and protecting tenants from rent gouging and displacement. Public transport is to become free of charge in the long term, especially for people on low incomes. Cycling and walking are to be promoted more strongly, while renewable energy is to be expanded in a socially just way.

Further priorities include promoting cultural diversity, supporting small cultural venues, expanding cultural passes and ensuring low-threshold access to cultural activities, as well as strengthening international cultural cooperation.

In migration policy, MERA25 stands for “training instead of deportation”, equal access to education and work, and the recognition of foreign qualifications. The programme also calls for a barrier-free and inclusive city, more citizen participation, ecological urban development, social security and a non-discriminatory public administration and security structure.

Public campaign events

As part of the campaign, the candidates are inviting residents to two open events:

• February 20, at Cafe Buch-Oase: “MERA25 Documentary Day in Kassel” – political documentary screenings followed by discussion on social and municipal issues

• March 7, Cafe Bucho-ase: “The MERA25 Points Plan for Kassel – Programme Presentation” – presentation of the election programme and open dialogue with residents on concrete political proposals

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