The former mayor of Frankfurt, Peter Feldmann, has seen his electoral list remain on the ballot for the upcoming municipal elections set for March 15, despite serious allegations of forgery regarding the signatures collected in support of his candidacy. An investigation by the public prosecutor has highlighted inconsistencies with the supporter signatures for his list, "Frankfurt – Sozial!" However, the printed ballots for the election will not change, and the preliminary voting has already begun. Furthermore, the legality of the number of collected signatures, even after accounting for the suspicions, does not affect its eligibility as it was deemed sufficient prior to these legal challenges.

The election committee's approval, which was finalized on January 16, aligns with the stipulations outlined in the Hesse Municipal Election Law. This law grants a level of finality to the acceptance of electoral proposals after their submission has been sanctioned. Hence, regardless of ongoing legal scrutiny, the list remains valid for the electoral process. This decision stands as an important precedent regarding the stability of electoral lists in the face of legal investigations, highlighting the balance between electoral integrity and the rights of candidates.

As accusations of fraud surface, the implications of this case extend beyond just Feldmann; they touch on wider concerns regarding the fairness of the electoral process in Germany. The case may influence public opinion and trust in local governance in the aftermath of the elections, especially if the alleged forgery is confirmed. This situation reflects a critical intersection of law, politics, and civic engagement within Frankfurt, setting a significant tone for future local elections in the region.