A former city councillor from Tübingen has once again spoken publicly over the weekend about allegations of sexual harassment against Mayor Boris Palmer According to reports by SWR the statement was made via an Instagram‑account that media reports have linked to the woman. Detailed accounts of an alleged assault had already been published online at the beginning of November.
The The Tübingen public prosecutor’s office confirmed, according to SWR, that it had launched an investigation after receiving information and was examining whether there were initial grounds to suspect sexual harassment. It remains legally unclear whether this will lead to a formal investigation involving a specific alleged offence. A decision on this will depend on further inquiries.
The The City of Tübingen said Palmer was carrying on with his regular official duties. At the same time, Palmer is stepping back from an honorary role in state politics: he had supported the state of Baden-Württemberg as an honorary adviser on modernising the state and simplifying public administration. According to consistent reports, he stepped back at the request of Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann. Palmer denies the allegations.
In Tübingen’s municipal council the situation is being discussed attentively but cautiously. According to media reports, political groups described the allegations that have come to light as serious, but said that any disciplinary or political action would depend on the outcome of the judicial inquiries. No specific decisions have been made so far.
Three aspects should currently be distinguished: first, the established facts are that a former city councillor has made allegations publicly and that the Tübingen public prosecutor’s office is examining them. Second, the statements attributed to or confirmed by the parties: Palmer denies the allegations; the City of Tübingen confirms he is continuing in office; and the Minister-President asked him to step back from the honorary role. Third, any possible consequences: disciplinary or criminal proceedings would depend on solid investigative findings and an assessment by the Baden-Württemberg state government .
The case adds to a debate that has been contentious for years over Palmer’s political role in Tübingen and beyond. The latest news is the former city councillor’s renewed public statement and the ongoing inquiries by the justice authorities. Further developments will depend on the findings of the investigation and any complaints that may be made.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).