Remembering Dr. Fritz Bauer: A Municipal Policy of Remembrance in Stuttgart

Remembering as Policy: The Motion to Name a Square after Dr. Fritz Bauer in Stuttgart-North

In January 2026, the District Advisory Board of Stuttgart-North committed to a project that goes far beyond a symbolic gesture: the naming of a square in remembrance of Dr. Fritz Bauer. The cross-party motion, unanimously adopted on January 19, not only underlines Bauer’s historical significance but also highlights the role of municipal politics in dealing with the legacy of National Socialism and anchoring human rights in the present.

Dr. Fritz Bauer: Law, Justice, and Remembrance

Dr. Fritz Bauer (1903–1968) was not only a high-ranking jurist but also a central figure in post-war German jurisprudence. As chief public prosecutor in the Nazi trials and later President of the Federal Court of Justice, he pursued the prosecution of Nazi crimes with unwavering determination. His role in the Auschwitz trials was groundbreaking and helped to expose the mechanisms of the Holocaust in court.

Now, in Stuttgart-North, he will be remembered through a public square. The motion emphasizes not only Bauer’s commitment within the legal system but also his role as a Holocaust survivor and pioneer of the human rights movement. His name is thus being embedded into the city’s culture – as a warning and as a form of recognition.

Cross-Party Initiative: Politics Beyond Party Lines

The approval of this motion by the District Advisory Board of the North district is remarkable, as it explicitly took a cross-party approach. This demonstrates that remembrance in Stuttgart is not merely a partisan matter but a broad societal responsibility. The session in the Middle Conference Room at Marktstraße 1 was open to the public, underscoring the transparency and openness of local politics.

The motion is also an example of the active role played by district advisory boards in Stuttgart. They take up issues that go beyond classic municipal competencies – such as the culture of remembrance – and bring them into city politics. This is particularly significant in a city like Stuttgart, which must come to terms with its National Socialist past.

Remembrance Culture as a Municipal Project

Naming a square after Dr. Fritz Bauer is more than a symbolic act. It is part of a broader culture of remembrance that is increasingly being established in Stuttgart. Through the establishment of memorials, the promotion of educational projects, and the inclusion of civil society in the processing of the Nazi past, the city is sending an important signal.

This process, however, is not always straightforward. The naming of public spaces often sparks debate, for example, about the relevance of the figures involved or the representation of different historical perspectives. The cross-party approach in Stuttgart-North shows how such debates can be conducted constructively. The focus on Bauer’s commitment to justice and human rights provides a clear moral foundation.

Outlook: From a Place Name to a Living Memory

The naming of a square is only the first step. To ensure that Dr. Fritz Bauer remains more than just a name on a plaque, it is important that both the city of Stuttgart and the district of North implement concrete projects and educational measures in the coming years. These could include guided tours of memorials, lectures on Bauer’s role in the judiciary, or partnerships with schools and educational institutions.

The culture of remembrance in Stuttgart must remain alive – not only in monumental forms but also in the daily work of politics, education, and civil society. The motion to name a square after Dr. Fritz Bauer is a step in that direction.