As the municipal elections approach in Bavaria, Munich's Mayor Dieter Reiter is adopting a low-profile campaign strategy, reminiscent of former Chancellor Angela Merkel's approach known as 'asymmetric demobilization.' This strategy involves maintaining a presence but largely stepping back from direct engagement in the political fray. Reiter's careful positioning is intended to allow his candidacy to resonate with voters who are already familiar with him, rather than actively campaigning against his main competitors, Clemens Baumgärtner from the CSU and Dominik Krause from the Greens.

Since taking office in 2014, Reiter has been a prominent figure in Munich politics, yet his recent reluctance to engage with certain hot topics, such as the city's enthusiasm for an Olympic bid, has raised eyebrows. By taking a step back from high-profile campaigning, he aims to avoid alienating undecided voters while fostering a sense of continuity and trust—similar to how Merkel navigated her own election campaigns, focusing on her established image rather than confrontational tactics.

With the elections set for March 8, Reiter is strategically balancing the need to secure votes while also managing the party's image and reducing the chances of increased voter mobilization among the opposition. His approach signals an attempt to consolidate his power within the SPD and maintain the party's influence in Munich against rising competition from other parties, particularly the CSU and the Greens, who are keen to capitalize on any missteps in the SPD's campaign.