Peder Christian Kirkegaard, who has served as the mayor of Skive since 2013, has announced his upcoming resignation from office at the end of 2025. The 68-year-old mayor shared his decision through a Facebook post, noting that while his mental “engine” is still running well, his body is beginning to show signs of wear, requiring more repairs akin to an older car.

Kirkegaard’s decision not to run for re-election in the upcoming municipal elections follows a lengthy tenure in the western Danish municipality. This resignation is part of a trend among mayors in western Denmark who have announced their intention to step down this year. For instance, Niels Jørgen Pedersen from Thisted Municipality and Hans Østergaard from Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality, both from the Liberal Party (Venstre), recently announced their own upcoming departures. Additionally, H.C. Østerby from the Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet) in Holstebro and the mayor of Viborg, Ulrik Vilbæk, have also declared that they will not seek re-election in 2025.

By choosing to step down, Kirkegaard joins a group of mayors in the region who have opted to conclude their lengthy political careers and make way for new leadership. According to experts, this decision comes as a natural consequence of the many years spent in a demanding position, which can ultimately take a toll on health.