Baden-Baden’s ill mayor will not return to work soon. Dietmar Späth (independent) has extended his sick leave and is now officially on sick leave until 23 December. A city spokesperson said this was upon request.
The politician had informed his lawyer in mid-November that he was on sick leave for an indefinite period. He has since applied for incapacity to work. When a decision will be taken remains completely open. Neither the city government nor the responsible Karlsruhe regional council provided any information.
According to his lawyer, Späth is undergoing medical treatment for serious mental and physical illnesses. A further phase of inpatient therapy is planned for early next year, a city spokesman said. It recently emerged that the city hall boss caused an accident while drunk while on sick leave.
The car hit a traffic light
The 62-year-old man was driving to a central island when he turned onto a county road. There he crashed his car into a traffic light. No one was hurt.
According to police, a voluntary breath alcohol test showed a level of approximately 1.5 per mille. Späth’s lawyer said: “According to currently available information, he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.”
