Western Germany: AfD Set for Success in Local Elections
Gelsenkirchen, September 13, 2025 - The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is poised to make significant gains in the upcoming local elections in Gelsenkirchen, a city in western Germany. According to recent polls and campaign rhetoric, the AfD's populist message has resonated with voters, particularly on issues related to immigration and crime.
The city's Bismarck district, where one in four residents live on social welfare, has been plagued by dilapidated properties and piles of rubbish. The AfD has capitalized on these conditions, linking them to labor migration from Southeast Europe. "Criminals lured people, mainly from Romania and Bulgaria, to Bismarck using a mafia-like system of exploitation," said Alexander Müller, an AfD candidate for the local council. "We need to take action to protect our citizens and restore order in this city."
The city's administration has acknowledged the issues and is taking steps to address them. Dozens of dilapidated houses have been purchased, and demolition work is underway to make way for new housing and a kindergarten. However, critics argue that the AfD's approach is simplistic and ignores the complexities of immigration.
"Immigration is not the root cause of these problems," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a local social worker. "We need to address the underlying issues, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, rather than scapegoating migrants."
The AfD's success in Gelsenkirchen would be a significant boost for the party, which has struggled to gain traction at the national level. The party's leader, Jörg Meuthen, has been vocal about his party's prospects in the local elections.
"We are confident that our message will resonate with voters," Meuthen said in a recent interview. "We are not just a protest party; we have concrete solutions to the problems facing this city."
The local elections in Gelsenkirchen are scheduled for September 20, and early indications suggest that the AfD is on track to make significant gains. The outcome will be closely watched by observers, who will be looking for signs of whether the party's populist message has resonated with voters.
Background: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was founded in 2013 as a eurosceptic movement but has since evolved into a far-right populist party. The party has been criticized for its stance on immigration and its perceived anti-Muslim rhetoric. However, it has also gained popularity among some voters who feel disillusioned with mainstream politics.
Additional perspectives: Local residents have mixed views about the AfD's prospects in the local elections. Some see them as a necessary corrective to what they perceive as ineffective governance, while others are concerned about the party's divisive rhetoric and policies.
Current status and next developments: The outcome of the local elections in Gelsenkirchen will be closely watched by observers, who will be looking for signs of whether the AfD's populist message has resonated with voters. The party's success would be a significant boost to its national prospects, but it remains to be seen whether it can sustain momentum beyond the local level.
Attributions:
Alexander Müller, AfD candidate: "Criminals lured people, mainly from Romania and Bulgaria, to Bismarck using a mafia-like system of exploitation."
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, local social worker: "Immigration is not the root cause of these problems."
Jörg Meuthen, AfD leader: "We are confident that our message will resonate with voters."
*Reporting by Dw.*
