Local Government
Eskilstuna appeals permit for dangerous chemical
Reported by AI
Eskilstuna municipality has appealed a permit allowing a local company to use the dangerous chemical methylene chloride, despite an EU ban. The substance is linked to serious health risks including cancer. The municipality held a press conference to discuss the matter and its objections.
Mayors worry about national chaos's impact on municipal elections
French local officials fear that the turbulent national political context will nationalize the March 2026 municipal elections campaign, overshadowing local issues. Squeezed between a government crisis and the 2027 presidential race, these elections risk being eclipsed. Benoît Floc’h, a journalist at Le Monde, recounts mayors' concerns about voters' mood.
Mangaung mayor reshuffles mayoral committee
Mangaung Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi has reshuffled his Mayoral Committee to bolster his executive's effectiveness. The changes, announced in Bloemfontein, aim to enhance oversight and accelerate service delivery. Key portfolio shifts include new leaders for finance, public safety, and economic development.
Violent home invasions rattle Summerstrand residents
A series of stabbing incidents in Summerstrand, a key tourism and student area in Nelson Mandela Bay, has heightened safety fears ahead of the festive season. One attack proved fatal for a 23-year-old Nelson Mandela University student, prompting calls for enhanced security measures. Authorities launched a festive safety campaign even as another robbery occurred nearby.
Independent Noosha Aubel wins mayoral election in Potsdam
After 35 years, the SPD loses the mayoral office in Potsdam to independent candidate Noosha Aubel. She won the runoff with 72.9 percent of the votes against the SPD candidate. She is the first woman in the position since reunification.