In a remarkable display of public trust, Helmut Knaus, the mayor of the Bavarian municipality of Philippsreut, has won re-election despite not even being on the ballot. After 12 years in office, Knaus had decided to retire and did not submit his candidacy for the latest elections. However, local residents decided they still needed him and manually wrote the popular mayor’s name into their ballot papers. As a result, Helmut Knaus won with 57.1% of the vote, reports Süddeutsche Zeitung.
This extraordinary political case demonstrates the true value of public confidence in a leader known for his hands-on approach, having personally cleared snow from the roads with a tractor and worked 100 hours a week for the benefit of his home community.
The politician has acknowledged the democratic result and officially agreed to remain in his post.
