The AfD Basks in Pirna Victory as CDU and Free Voters Trade Blame
Victory for the AfD in Pirna leaves the party feeling empowered ahead of Saxony's 2024 state elections. Opponents on the left, including the Greens and the CDU, express concern while the Free Voters look to shift the blame.
In a confident tone, Saxony's AfD leader Jörg Urban expressed, "We aim for success here in Saxony, we want to win with a clear margin, we want to get close to 40%. That's an uphill battle for our party next year." The victory of AfD candidate Tim Lochner in Pirna's mayoral election marks a significant victory for the party, who successfully outpaced both the CDU and the Free Voters.
AfD national leader Alice Weidel congratulated the win on Platform X, praising Lochner for their "historic result." Lochner, 53, a master carpenter and restorer, defeated opponents from both the CDU and Free Voters in the second round of voting, taking 38.5% of the vote.
CDU and Free Voters Play the Blame Game
The Left, SPD, and Greens, who entered the mayoral race, collectively decided to support the CDU's Kathrin Dollinger-Knuth in the second round of voting. Dollinger-Knuth was disappointed with the election results and criticized the Free Voters for "paving the way for an AfD success."
The Free Voters, however, disagreed and levied blame at the CDU for "consciously accepting the role of stooge for the AfD." Saxony's Free Voters chairman, Thomas Weidinger, accused the CDU of "drive to retain power," further fueling tension between the parties.
The SPD Youth Organization Chairman, Philipp Türmer, announced shared responsibility for the outcome between both parties. Notably, a third candidate in the decisive second round could have deterred the AfD, he asserted.
Concerns and Challenges
Concerned over the increase in AfD's popularity, the Greens voiced their dismay over the election of a party classified as right-wing extremist. The Saxony District Chairwoman of the Left Party, Lisa Thea Steiner, warned against "social coldness" and "broken promises" in Pirna.
Michael Kretschmer, the Minister President of Saxony from the CDU, expressed concern over the AfD's rising influence. In a mid-December poll, the AfD was on par with the CDU in Saxony, adding to Kretschmer's worry.
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Historical and Recent Political Developments in Pirna, Saxony
Originally formed in 2013, the AfD achieved initial success in the 2014 Saxony state election, winning 14 seats. The party has been entangled in internal conflicts, shaping out leaders such as Frauke Petry and inspiring a split within the ranks. In 2017, the AfD won 94 seats in the federal election, becoming Germany's third-largest party.
Tim Lochner's election as Pirna's mayor in 2023 marks a significant milestone for the AfD, demonstrating their growing influence in local politics. The election outcome has repercussions for other parties like the CDU and Free Voters. The AfD's increasing popularity and radical stance on issues like immigration and eurozone policies have attracted support away from the Free Voters.
The AfD secured 16% of the vote in the 2024 European Parliament elections, coinciding with a decline in support for traditional parties like the CDU. Protests and calls for a ban on the party have further polarized the political landscape in Germany.
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