Mayor Fritz’s big ambitions for Timisoara

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Dominic Fritz is a German-Swabian politician who was elected mayor of Timișoara, Romania in 2020. Dominic Fritz first came to Romania in 2003. He then regularly came back to Timișoara in the years that followed and was in charge of the Timișoara Gospel Project. He was elected mayor of Timișoara after defeating his predecessor, Nicolae Robu.

Fritz stated on his website that he was very curious to understand why we don’t live in a better world and is very determined to make his own positive contribution to society. That led to his decision to study political science and administration as a German National Academic Foundation scholar at the University of Konstanz in Germany, the Paris Institute of Political Studies and the University of York. His dissertation focused on Romanian social policies and his master thesis examined the capacity of post-war governments in terms of public administration.

In 2009, he accepted a position as a consultant with the German Agency for International Cooperation. There, he was able to actively work on a number of noteworthy initiatives. The issues he dealt with included improved management procedures in Liberia’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, taking part in the German government’s humanitarian response planning missions after the Haiti earthquake, and assistance in peace talks between several African countries.

Following his important work in the domain of international politics, mayor of Timișoara decided to use his vast experience and passion for public policy and apply it in the local context. For this, he chose a city for which he feels great love and which became his new home – Timișoara. His main vision was to bring good governance to the Romanian city and deal with the issue of ineffective public administration.

Mayor Fritz’s vision for Timisoara is a modern, sustainable and clean city that honours its tradition and heritage. The document titled ‘’Timisoara 2030 – A Strategic Vision for the Capital of Banat” revealed big ambitions for this Romanian city. A crucial moment of the future plans is that Timisoara must become a place where residents’ needs are put first. Mayor Fritz speaks of the need to overcome Timisoara’s current limitations and reclaim the position as the region’s leading city. (photo credit: Dominic Fritz)