A German councillor has sparked controversy with a proposal to turn the city of Mannheim into a destination for nudists and swingers, including plans to organise a swingers’ event at the city hall.
Julian Ferrat, 35, leader of the liberal Die Mannheimer party, said he wanted to challenge social taboos and promote his vision of Mannheim as a “nudist swinger paradise”, similar to the famous Cap d’Agde resort in France.
Ferrat, who was elected to Mannheim’s city council in 2024, claimed that hosting a swingers’ event at the seat of local government would represent a unique form of engagement between politicians and residents. He said around 50 people had already contacted him to express interest, although he acknowledged that securing official approval would be difficult.
The councillor said his proposal was also aimed at attracting visitors and boosting the local economy. He argued that creating a more open environment for nudists and swingers could help give Mannheim a distinctive identity.
However, the city authorities have expressed doubts over whether the proposal could go ahead. A city hall spokesman said there were significant concerns about its feasibility and whether such an event would be appropriate under Ferrat’s political mandate.
Ferrat said he would continue exploring the idea and was planning to meet people who had contacted him about the proposed event. He also wants to promote Mannheim as a destination inspired by Cap d’Agde, a well-known nudist resort on France’s Mediterranean coast.
The councillor is no stranger to using his political platform to promote the idea. In 2025, he reportedly placed an advertisement in Mannheim’s official gazette inviting people to join him on a “Political Training Trip to Cap d’Agde”.
His latest proposal has attracted both interest and criticism, with the city making clear that any plans would have to go through the proper approval process before being considered.
Die Mannheimer describes itself as an independent political movement focused on supporting citizens’ well-being.
