Jean-Paul Zeimes has completed a stellar ascent in local politics, now assuming the role of Schieren mayor following a series of successful election outcomes and his commitment to major community projects.
After retiring from work at the Centre Hospitalier du Nord (CHdN) in Ettelbruck, Jean-Paul Zeimes decided to delve into the world of local politics in his hometown of Schieren. In 2020, Zeimes received enough votes in a by-election to enter the municipal council for a first time. At the beginning of the following year, he was then appointed alderman.
During the municipal elections in June this year, Zeimes accumulated the second-biggest vote tally in Schieren. As mayor Eric Thill was appointed Minister for Culture in the new Frieden administration on 17 November, Zeimes eventually took over as acting mayor of Schieren.
The new role became permanent after the local council unanimously approved Zeimes' appointment on 29 November. The proposal to hold another by-election was discarded in a seven against one vote.
Zeimes supports amalgamation referendum
The 62-year-old retiree, who among other tasks oversaw construction projects at the CHdN, admits that he has his work cut out for himself: "Next year renovation work on the locker rooms and refreshment stall of the Schieren football club are to begin. We are mostly ready in terms of permits for the windmill – the construction authorisation is slated to be issued in December – so that project will begin in spring. Then there is the petanque area at the sports site, which should also be functional by spring."
Further projects include the expansion of the local day care, the restructuring of the train station, and the large-scale expansion to four lanes of the B7.
A similarly important issue is the long-discussed amalgamation of northern municipalities. Mayor Zeimes believes that a concrete project and convention should be presented to residents so that the matter can be decided in a referendum by 2026 or 2027.
He elaborated: "Somewhere along the way we need a working paper to which we refer and which stipulates what we want to implement. Then citizens have to decide for themselves whether they support it or not."
Balancing politics and private life
When not preoccupied with local politics, Zeimes likes to hike, for instance to the vantage point 'Tëllsbam' overlooking Schieren. Even as mayor, he intends to strike a balance between professional and private life.
He explained: "Over the last days I spent eight hours at the office, so I thought to myself retirement is all well and good, but I also need to make room for hobby and family. In fact it was one of my Nordstadt colleagues who told me 'well, now you won't be going on holiday for a while'. I see that somewhat differently and will also do it somewhat differently I dare say now."
