In a surprising turn of events, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has secured its first city mayoral election victory. Tim Lochner, an independent candidate running under the AfD banner, emerged victorious in Pirna, a town in the eastern state of Saxony. This win marks a significant moment for the AfD, which has gained prominence in recent years.
Pirna, located southeast of Dresden, is known for its well-preserved old town and is home to approximately 40,000 residents. The city’s electoral board reported that Lochner secured 38.5% of the vote, surpassing his competitors. Kathrin Dollinger-Knuth of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) came in second with 31.4% of the vote, followed by Ralf Thiele from the Free Voters party at 30.1%.
Lochner’s victory in the second round of voting highlights the AfD’s growing presence in German politics. While the party has faced critique for its right-wing extremist tendencies, it has been steadily gaining support. Recent polls indicate that around one in five voters would choose the AfD, making it the second most popular party after the CDU.
This success follows the Saxony state’s domestic intelligence agency labeling the AfD as a right-wing extremist organization. Despite this classification, the party continues to attract a significant portion of the electorate, particularly in eastern German states. In Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg, where the AfD’s voter support exceeds 30%, elections are scheduled for the upcoming year.
With the rise of far-right parties in Germany, discussions have emerged regarding possible coalitions at the municipal level. However, Friedrich Merz, leader of the main opposition Christian Democrats, recently distanced himself from suggestions of cooperation with the AfD.
The AfD’s victory in Pirna reflects a shifting political landscape in Germany. As the party gains more visibility and electoral successes, it poses challenges to the mainstream parties that have traditionally dominated German politics.
