The decision by the city administration of Kerpen to unanimously reject honorary citizenship for Michael Schumacher has sparked widespread debate.
A new, bittersweet chapter has been added to the life of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. Born in 1969 in Kerpen, a small town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Schumacher has deep ties to this place, where he spent his early years and took his first steps in motorsport.
Together with his brother Ralf, Schumacher began his racing career at the family’s go-kart track—a place that marked the start of a legendary journey into the annals of motorsport history. Yet, his hometown has turned its back on the “Kaiser” during a moment when recognition could have meant so much.
Kerpen Rejects Schumacher’s Honorary Citizenship
Despite Schumacher’s global impact and the prestige he brought to his hometown, the Kerpen city council decided not to grant him honorary citizenship. The decision, reported by Kölnische Rundschau, has faced significant backlash, particularly from Schumacher’s brother Ralf: “This is typical of Germany,” he stated. “Success and achievements are no longer valued. Instead of being proud of a personality like Michael and his extraordinary accomplishments, people let things slide into oblivion.”
Reiner Ferling, President of the Michael Schumacher Fan Club, also expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that the Schumacher family deserved to be consulted about the decision: “I can’t believe they didn’t involve the family in this matter. Michael represented Kerpen worldwide and deserves greater respect. This behavior is unacceptable.”
Photo: Formula 1