Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende paid tribute to the deceased as an “outstanding innovator and an exceptionally citizen-oriented politician”—noting that through his approachability, determination, and social commitment, he had earned the trust and respect of many people. “He was always a mayor who was close to the people and pragmatic, and he was respected across party lines,” said Mayor Christiane Hinninger. 

During his tenure as mayor from 1985 to 1997, he brought a breath of fresh air to the administration, expanded social services, and initiated various city partnerships, including one with his hometown of Breslau—now Wrocław in Poland. The partnership was formalized in 1987 and was seen as an important symbol of reconciliation between Poland and Germany. Exner also played a key role in establishing the city partnership with Görlitz, which received support from Wiesbaden—particularly after German reunification—in building a democratic administration. He made headlines both nationally and internationally when, in 1991, shortly after being re-elected mayor, he took parental leave following the birth of his daughter Valentine. Exner championed gender equality in the workplace, in leadership roles, and in politics. Another focus of his political work was urban development: Even as a young local politician, he was committed to preserving historic neighborhoods and, together with his colleagues, succeeded in preventing the “City Ost” urban development project, which would have resulted in large-scale demolitions east of the Warmer Damm. His term in office also saw the first referendum in 1994 on the possible development of the Dern site: A majority rejected the planned peripheral development for the music and art school, which Exner had favored. His commitment to people in need extended far beyond the city limits: In 1991, Wiesbaden became the first city in the world to be designated a UNICEF partner city. As part of this initiative, he was able to present then-UNICEF Ambassador Audrey Hepburn with a donation check for more than two million marks in Wiesbaden, funds that had been raised at a benefit event. After stepping down from active local politics, Exner offered citizens facing problems a place to turn to at his “Rat-Haus” in Biebrich, and in this way was able to provide support to thousands of people over the years. He also continued to speak out on local political issues well into his old age. 

“We bow our heads in deep gratitude to the deceased and his contributions to the state capital of Wiesbaden. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and colleagues,” said Mende. 

Exner was born in Breslau in 1944, grew up in Wiesbaden, and studied economics in Mainz from 1967 to 1972. For several years, he worked in Wiesbaden for a tenants’ rights organization. From 1972 to 1982, he served as a city council member in Wiesbaden (serving as parliamentary group leader starting in 1973 and as parliamentary group executive director starting in 1975) and later, from 1982 to 1985, as head of the social affairs department for the Hessian state capital. From 1985 to 1997, Exner served as mayor of Wiesbaden. Until March 2011, he served as chairman of the Bundesliga committee for VC Wiesbaden and was chairman of the “Blauer Salon” association at Achim’s Rat-Haus. In 1997, he received the Honorary Plaque, one of the highest honors awarded by the state capital of Wiesbaden, and has held the honorary title of “City Elder” ever since. In 2000, he was named an honorary citizen of the city of Görlitz.