Wilhelm Kaisen: A farewell with history and future for Bremen

Wilhelm Kaisen: A farewell with history and future for Bremen

On July 13, 2025, we will look back on a memorable time in Bremen: Mayor Wilhelm Kaisen's resignation exactly 60 years ago, on July 17, 1965. Kaisen, who played a formal role in the post -war period from 1945 until his resignation, said goodbye to a solemn ceremony in the upper town hall. Around 400 guests, including significant personalities such as Federal President Heinrich Lübke and Willy Brandt, took part in this ceremony, who praised his success and popularity among the population

Wilhelm Kaisen, 78 years old at the time of his resignation, was estimated as a pragmatic and popular politician. The Hamburg -born, who started his political career in Bremen in 1919, led the SPD to the absolute majority in 1959 and contributed significantly to the establishment of Bremen as an independent federal state. Despite his political success, he already announced his resignation on March 17, 1964 to look back in the Senate for 25 years.

a pioneer of reconstruction

Kaisen was not only an experienced politician, but also a committed city planner. His goal was the reconstruction of the city -destroyed city and the revival of their industries and ports. His ability to combine the interests of workers and merchants made him a central figure in the post -war policy in Bremen. He was also a supporter of Germany's western bond and organized significant interzone conferences in Bremen.

his political career began in the 1920s when he was elected to the citizens and was appointed a senator. Kaisen did not lock himself against resistance, even during the Nazi era in which he had to step back on pressure in 1933. In 1945, after the end of the war, the American military government initially appointed Senator and later as the mayor.

The search for a successor

The search for Kaisen's succession was characterized by numerous discussions and considerations. While the chairman of the SPD, which he favored as the successor-Karl Carstens-was not a SPD member at that time, Adolf Ehlers was ultimately nominated as a top candidate. However, his health problems led him to withdraw into his decision. After all, the choice fell on Willy Dehnkamp, who was not Kaisen's desired candidate. After his resignation, the ratio to the SPD cooled down until the situation stabilized after Dehnkamp's withdrawal.

kaisen left a varied legacy that is still alive in Bremen. He was awarded Honor Citizens' Status, and the Wilhelm and Helene-Kaisen Foundation in Bremen-Borgfeld keeps his life's work awake in a documentary site. His success as mayor and his services to the city are recognized by numerous monuments and citizens' foundations.

Wilhelm Kaisen died on December 19, 1979 after a short illness. His life path, from the community school to political heights to honor as an honorary citizen, is an inspiring chapter for Bremen. Today, 60 years after his resignation, his influence remains noticeable, and the memories of a mayor who shaped Bremen decisively after the war are alive. The Senate of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and the Bremen citizens will repeatedly commemorate their highly esteemed historical personalities and appreciate the path they have paved for the city.

For more details on Wilhelm Kaisens Life and work, you can do the articles on Weser-Kurier , Rathaus Bremen and Mayor Bremen read.