in Germany, immersion in the first municipality led by a mayor from the far-right AfD party

While demonstrations are organized in Germany against the AfD, a municipality in the former GDR has been led by the far-right party since last summer.

More than 100,000 people are expected in the streets of Berlin on Saturday February 3 to protest against the far-right AfD party. Credited with 19% of voting intentions, the AfD is represented in all regional parliaments and in the Bundestag. Last summer, Hannes Loth became the country’s first AfD mayor in Raguhn Jessnitz, a town of 9,000 inhabitants in the former GDR (Democratic Republic of Germany).

Raguhn Jessnitz is located in one of these areas devastated by the end of the communist regime. Regions often won by the AfD. Mayor Hannes Loth, 42, presents himself as close to his constituents: “I would say that we take citizens’ concerns and concerns more seriously than before. I often walk the streets to show that I am there, and people talk to me.”

The election of Hannes Loth to Raguhn Jessnitz last July created a shock in Germany. His predecessor at town hall, Nils Naumann, without label, puts things into perspective: “Here, at the municipal level, the AfD does not have much influence. Decisions are ultimately made by the municipal council. It cannot play dictator or whatever…”

“He transforms his lies into virtues”

That the mayor’s room for maneuver is limited, the citizens quickly realized. A few months after the election, there is no longer any question in Raguhn of free childcare for young children, or of lowering property taxes and professional taxes. Electoral promises from the mayor, assure his detractors. Promises never made, assures the person concerned. His administration, in any case, does not hold it against him: “Well, what can we hope for? What isn’t increasing? What can the mayor do about it? He can’t do anything about it. It’s the fault of our government !”

Eva von Angern, of the neo-communist Linke party, rubbed shoulders with Hannes Loth in the regional parliament of Magdeburg. Making electoral promises that we know we cannot keep is, in his eyes, one of the characteristics of the party. “He transforms his lies into virtues. The difference between the elected representatives of the AfD and the other parties, I see that here in the regional parliament, is that they do it without shame. They lie without blushing and that makes me The real fear is that people believe them!” she fears. Three important regional elections will take place in the former GDR in the fall. Polls suggest further progress for the far-right party.