Reporting on the future management of the Ernst Abbe Foundation

Statement by the City of Jena

We would like to inform you of the facts and take a stand on the current reporting about our esteemed colleague Christian Gerlitz, Mayor and Head of Urban Development and Environment of the City of Jena. The media reports of the past few days and other public statements claim that Christian Gerlitz will begin a new position as Managing Director of the Ernst Abbe Foundation on May 1, 2024. This is incorrect. As correctly communicated by the Foundation, this is not planned until after he leaves office. In the meantime, the Foundation will be managed by its Executive Board and Deputy Managing Directors.

The fact that our colleague will in future have the opportunity to continue working for the benefit of the city of Jena in a charitable foundation has been known for several months and was very much welcomed by both the public and the media at the time. The media in particular saw this step as logical and sensible at the time. There is no factual basis for publicly classifying a change in the administration of a charitable foundation that is so important to Jena's scientific and cultural fabric as questionable.

There is absolutely no doubt that Christian Gerlitz will continue to fulfill his official duties in the coming months in his usual reliable manner. We firmly reject all unfounded assumptions or insinuations to the contrary.

The integrity of our Head of Urban Development and Environment is beyond question. During his time in office, he has always paid particular attention to compliance in the city administration and in many other offices that he has held on behalf of and in the interests of the city. His commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical conduct is exemplary and deserves our full support and recognition. This should apply to everyone, especially during election campaigns.

Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche

Benjamin Koppe, Head of the Department for Order & Safety

Eberhard Hertzsch, Head of Department for Social Affairs