Local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia | "I stand for a Dortmund that leaves no one behind"

What does Dortmund stand for and what does Fatma Karacakurtoglu stand for?

Dortmund stands for change, diversity—and the power to reinvent itself. But Dortmund also stands for contradictions: for poverty in a growing city , for homeless people in a city of vacant properties.

I stand for a Dortmund that leaves no one behind. I know the political work, I know the realities of life in our city. Justice is not a nice aspiration, but a question of concrete policy.

What makes you a potential mayor?

I'm someone who gets things done and listens. For over a decade, I've been working in politics at the local and regional levels, with a clear stance and a professional background. I'm currently managing a project funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) on the labor market integration of women.

And I've been a member of the Dortmund Job Center's governing board for over ten years. So, I bring experience— in politics , practice, and academia.

Doesn't it take much more than these topics to represent all of Dortmund and all of its citizens?

Of course. A city like Dortmund needs a policy that takes economics, security, urban development, climate protection, and digitalization just as seriously as social issues. That's precisely why I'm pursuing a comprehensive design principle for Dortmund and its citizens—combining social responsibility with economic common sense.

As a leftist with a migration background, are you taken seriously by business leaders—without whom Dortmund is also essential? Don't they see you more as an activist from the economically underdeveloped northern part of the city?

I like to describe myself, with a wink, as someone with a migration background—I've never migrated, except perhaps from Duisburg to Dortmund. But I know what it means to not always belong in this society. And I know what it's like to have to fight for justice.

Yes, I am taken seriously. Because I don't just address problems, but develop solutions – together with businesses, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and administrations. I have implemented projects with companies for many years, redesigning skilled worker development and qualification programs. Anyone who wants to prevent social division needs bridges – I build them. Not through conformity, but through competence and consistent policy.

Let's talk about affordable housing, the Left Party's focus for the local election campaign throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. Why is this such an important focus only now?

Because we are at a tipping point. Housing is becoming unaffordable for many, while speculation and sales are taking place – as if it were about profit, not people. For us on the Left and me, it's clear: housing is a human right. And that's why affordable housing is at the heart of our "Action for Justice." We want more social and community-oriented housing, rent control on municipal land, a ban on misuse, and vacancy management.

And I, along with the Left Party, am committed to strengthening municipal housing companies like "Dogewo." We don't just talk about it like others do. We submit motions, organize alliances, and demand concrete decisions in the council. Now is the time to change course.

How should Dortmund be positioned in 2030 if you run for re-election as mayor?

Dortmund 2030 should be a just city – socially responsible, climate-friendly, and economically viable. I want to be able to look back in 2030 and say: We delivered.

Housing is affordable and not a luxury. Public transport is free, accessible, and climate-friendly. Children grow up without poverty because education and participation no longer depend so heavily on their parents' income. The city is digital and citizen-oriented—but also humane and solidarity-based.

The economic development agency focuses on sustainable employment and decent work. Migrants actively shape the city – on equal terms.