Gessin – In the run-up to the state election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the SPD’s direct candidate, Thomas Krüger, is seeking direct dialogue with local residents. He has accepted an invitation to an open town hall meeting at the Mittelhof in Gessin to discuss current challenges facing rural areas. Focus on the Public Forum The meeting in Gessin will focus on key issues facing rural areas: from regional development and strengthening village communities to supporting local cultural projects. Residents are invited to voice their questions, concerns, and suggestions directly. A central focus of the discussion will be how to ensure quality of life and sustainability in rural areas outside of metropolitan centers in the long term.
About Me
“My home is the Mecklenburg Lake District—this is where I grew up, where my family and friends live, and where my political heart lies. As a direct candidate for Electoral District 014 (Mecklenburg Lake District II), I am running in the 2026 state election to represent the interests of the people of Malchin, Stavenhagen, Altentreptow, and the surrounding communities with a strong, experienced voice in Schwerin.
My political journey began during a period of historic upheaval: In the fall of 1989, I joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) of the GDR—which was still banned at the time—and shortly thereafter represented the SPD at the Round Table in Malchin to actively help shape the democratic new beginning. This formative period laid the foundation for my political career: Democracy thrives on participation and listening. The fact that citizen participation is a matter truly close to my heart is also evident in my current work as chair of the Petitions Committee in the state parliament. Here, I am vigorously pushing for the modernization of petition law to guarantee citizens more direct say and transparent rights.
I am familiar with life outside major metropolitan areas and understand what hard, hands-on work entails. After finishing school in Malchin, I completed an apprenticeship as a maintenance mechanic (metalworker) in the local grain industry and later successfully retrained as a dental technician. These down-to-earth roots inform my political work every day. After many years as state executive director of the SPD in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and as former chair of the SPD state parliamentary group (2016–2021), I know exactly how the political levers work in Schwerin and understand how to secure concrete improvements for our region.
For the upcoming legislative term, I will focus on three key areas:
A future for our children: I am firmly committed to tuition-free daycare in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Families need reliable relief. At the same time, I will strongly advocate for the continuation of our school construction and renovation programs, as well as for new teaching positions.
Safety in rural areas: Our volunteer first responders are the backbone of society. Fire and disaster protection, as well as the strengthening of our local fire departments, must be secured financially and structurally for the long term.
Europe and Science: As my parliamentary group’s policy spokesperson, I am committed to ensuring that our state remains closely connected to Europe and that our universities are strengthened as job engines for the region.
Personal Background
Background & Family: Born on January 11, 1969, in Demmin; raised in Malchin. Thomas Krüger has no religious affiliation, is married, and is the proud father of two children.
