Berlin's SPD Mitte district demands that top candidate Uta Francisco dos Santos withdraw her bid for district mayor. The reason is her extended sick leave from the Senate Finance Administration since summer 2024. SPD top candidate Steffen Krach also backs the pressure.
Berlin's SPD Mitte district association has urged Uta Francisco dos Santos to resign. She had been placed first on the SPD list for the Mitte district assembly, making her the candidate for district mayor. The nomination occurred at a delegates' meeting on November 20, 2025.
District chairs Annika Klose and Yannik Haan stated that continuing the candidacy is currently not responsible. Dos Santos has been largely on sick leave since summer 2024 but appeared in the pre-election campaign. Media reports, including from the Tagesspiegel, raised serious questions as she was not transparent about her professional situation.
Dos Santos reportedly wants to stick with her candidacy. Through a lawyer on Thursday, she announced she has been on long-term sick leave. A medical certificate confirms that her voluntary engagement, including the candidacy, does not hinder her recovery process.
SPD top candidate for the House of Representatives election on September 20, Steffen Krach, is also applying pressure. "I agree with the acting district executive that Uta Francisco dos Santos can no longer run for district mayor," he said. "A new candidacy must now be clarified quickly."
Some reports suggest she is withdrawing, but this is not confirmed in all sources.
