The Free Voters in Grimma are all set for a press conference next week, with rumors swirling about Matthias Berger becoming their "Saxony-Aiwanger" in the upcoming State elections. Although Thomas Weidinger, the state leader, hasn't officially confirmed his candidacy yet, Berger's name is strongly in the mix.
Berger is a no-nonsense local politician who, like Hubert Aiwanger, leader of the Bavarian Free Voters, wears his heart on his sleeve and thinks for himself. In 2019, he turned down the Free Voters' offer to run for the state parliamentary elections with Antje Hermenau from the Greens.
Now, five years later, Berger is ready to take the plunge. He gained national attention during the floods of 2002, when at just 34, he had been in office for a year. With pragmatism, he oversaw the reconstruction of his city after the catastrophic flood on the Mulde, ultimately constructing a comprehensive flood protection wall around the old town, even in the face of resistance.
In October 2022, Berger organized a demonstration in Grimma against the "ideologically driven energy and Ukraine policy of the German government," accusing it of being "miles away from our German people." Around 4,000 people joined the protest in the small Mulde town (population 28,000).
architectural marvels showcasing the development of the church through the centuries.
There is a parallelism between Berger and Aiwanger, who mobilized 13,000 Bavarians for a rally against the traffic light's heating law during the election campaign. Berger recently stirred controversy with a fervent critique of established politics on local television. "We're not getting any more euros. You should stop telling people some garbage. Shift in the shaft. We're out of money. This state is broke, I'm making it quite clear," Berger scolded.
The goal of the Saxony Free Voters is to make a significant impact in the state parliament, potentially replacing the Greens as coalition partners and working alongside the CDU. State leader Weidinger believes, "But our first priority is to get into the state parliament. We stand for a new style of politics, coming from the municipal level with people who have not worked their way up through party structures, but are established personalities."
Berger recently expressed interest in an honorary state parliament and has shown openness to collaborating with various parties, including the AfD. The Free Voters in Bavaria, most recently with 15.8 percent in the Bavarian elections, provide a strong inspirational example. However, Berger still must prove if he can lead the Free Voters in Saxony and replicate the success of Bavaria.
- Rumors circulate about Matthias Berger becoming the "Saxony-Aiwanger" for the Free Voters in the upcoming State elections in Saxony, despite Weidinger's lack of official confirmation.
- Berger and Aiwanger share similarities; both are unconventional local politicians who have shown their devotion and independence in their respective roles.
- The Free Voters aim for a significant influence in the state parliament, with potential partnership opportunities with the CDU.
- Berger's Free Voters are open to collaborating with various parties, including the AfD, to work towards changing the state parliament radically and serving the German people better.
The Free Voters' local, conservative, and regionalist agenda likely drove Berger's ambition to replace the Greens as potential coalition partners in Saxony. Berger and the Free Voters hope to emulate Aiwanger's success in Bavaria, focusing on regional issues and advocating for more autonomy for their respective regions.
