Far-Right AfD Party May Win First German City Mayor Post in Run-off Vote
FRANKFURT AN DER ODER, Germany - Voters in the eastern city of Frankfurt an der Oder cast their ballots on Sunday in a run-off election that could give the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party its first mayoral victory in a German city. Independent candidate Axel Strasser and AfD contender Wilko Moller faced off after leading the first-round vote on September 21, with Strasser receiving 32.4 percent of the vote and Moller 30.2 percent.
The run-off election has sparked concerns among local residents, who are worried about the potential impact of an AfD mayor on the city's social and economic policies. "I'm not sure if I want to see the AfD in power," said local resident Anna Müller, 35. "Their ideology is too extreme for me." Müller expressed concerns that an AfD mayor would prioritize nationalist and anti-immigrant policies over the needs of the community.
The AfD party has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly among voters who feel disillusioned with mainstream parties. The party's campaign slogan, "Say what is. Do what helps. Keep promises," resonates with some voters who see it as a refreshing change from traditional politics. "I think Wilko Moller would be a good mayor because he's honest and listens to people," said voter Hans-Joachim Schneider, 62.
The city of Frankfurt an der Oder has a population of around 60,000 residents and is located in the state of Brandenburg. The mayoral election has been closely watched by observers, who see it as a test for the AfD party's ability to win local elections. "This election is crucial for the AfD's image and credibility," said Dr. Sabine Krohn, a political scientist at the University of Berlin.
The outcome of the run-off election will be announced on Monday morning. If Moller wins, it would mark a significant milestone for the AfD party, which has been struggling to gain traction in local elections. The result could also have implications for the party's national politics and its ability to influence government policies.
Background: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was founded in 2013 as an anti-euro movement but has since evolved into a far-right nationalist party with a strong anti-immigrant stance. The party has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly among voters who feel disillusioned with mainstream parties. The AfD is currently the largest opposition party in parliament.
Additional perspectives: Some experts believe that an AfD mayor would have significant implications for the city's social and economic policies. "An AfD mayor would likely prioritize nationalist and anti-immigrant policies over the needs of the community," said Dr. Krohn. Others argue that the AfD's ideology is too extreme for a local government.
Current status: The run-off election has sparked concerns among local residents, who are worried about the potential impact of an AfD mayor on the city's social and economic policies. The outcome of the election will be announced on Monday morning, and it remains to be seen whether Moller will emerge victorious.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*