No firewall for the AfD: CDU member Michael Sack to serve as a county councillor representing all citizens
Unfiltered, Raw, and Straight to the Point:
Michael Sack, the 51-year-old incumbent district administrator of Vorpommern-Greifswald, is gearing up for the May 11th election. Besides himself, Inken Arndt (AfD) and Erik von Malottki (SPD) are also running for the position. The stake is high, given the district's size and the increasingly competitive German political landscape.
A Race against Time
The results of the last federal election are still fresh, and yet, the next election is fast approaching. In this race against time, Sack has to balance his existing role, the district administration, with securing votes. The CDU is on the rise, and the AfD, traditionally a strong contender, has fielded an unknown candidate, Inken Arndt, creating a unique challenge for Sack.
Navigating the Campaign Trail
Apart from the long workdays, Sack must determine his approach to reach the maximum number of voters, predict his opponents' tactics, and strategize for the potential run-off. Fortunately, his incumbent advantage, coupled with the CDU's resurgence, provides a solid foundation.
Priorities for Vorpommern
Regardless of the election, Sack's focus remains on the district's administration. Key projects include the district's involvement in the Returner Days, the construction and renovation of schools, and the broadband expansion in Vorpommern. Fifty-one percent of the district is still without high-speed internet, and Sack is pushing to change that.
Social Media Campaign
To engage voters, Sack has ventured onto social media with short video clips, emphasizing his commitment to mobility and the district's transition towards cleaner transportation options. Climbing aboard a bus, Sack declares, "When your district administrator takes the mobility transition into his own hands."
Throughout the campaign, Sack aims to maintain an invisible district administration that smoothly addresses the needs of his constituents without creating unnecessary fanfare.
Amitious Agendas, Compromising Approach
Sack is known for his compromise-seeking nature, finding support from SPD and Green circles, as well as from the AfD, the largest faction in the county council. This inclusive approach, however, has earned him criticism for being overly practical rather than visionary.
Compared to other parties, Sack's politics are understated—Quiet. Steady. Reliable. His reputation as a winner (Loitz mayoral election, Landrat election 2018) and a loser (2021) highlights his ability to adapt to different political circumstances.
Engaging with the AfD
Despite being a CDU member, Sack refuses to create a firewall with the AfD. He prefers to focus on substance and the well-being of the region's inhabitants. When asked about working with the AfD, he responds, "I don't discuss firewalls. I deal with the reality and everyday life of our citizens."
Energy Transition and Hydrogen Hub
One topic that resonates with Sack is the energy transition. He insists that Vorpommern should benefit from this transformation, not just shoulder its burdens. The potential lies in the region, especially in renewable energy, but trust is low due to past experiences.
The World's first floating import terminal for hydrogen is slated for construction on the Baltic coast, offering a significant opportunity for job creation and regional development.
Refugee Management and Payment Card
Managing refugee distribution and accommodation is a pressing issue for all German counties. Sack champions the introduction of a payment card for refugees as a means to curb the abuse of financial services and help regulate cash transactions. The card would enable almost all purchases with an EC card and prevent cash transfer abroad.
The Essential Qualities of a District Administrator
As the election draws nearer, Sack refuses to discuss a certain re-election, instead highlighting the necessary qualifications of a district administrator: strong communication and networking skills, assertiveness, and a good sense of humor to navigate the unexpected challenges of daily governance.
Correction - 29.04.2025: The number of people called upon to vote in the county election in Vorpommern-Greifswald was initially incorrectly stated as the population of around 240,000. Around 205,000 people aged 16 and above are called upon to vote in the county election on 11 May. We apologize for the now corrected error. - The Editorial Team
Hints from the Enrichment Data:
Candidates in local elections often focus on local governance records, development projects, and critical regional topics. Campaign strategies may involve local debates, media outreach, and direct voter contact. National trends can shape regional politics, but specific strategies and tactics employed by candidates may not be publicly available without consulting local news outlets or official campaign materials.
- Policy-and-legislation: Sack's politics are understated yet practical, finding support from various circles including SPD, Greens, and even AfD, demonstrating his compromise-seeking approach to governance.
- General-news: Sack's campaign focuses on key projects such as the district's involvement in the Returner Days, school construction, broadband expansion, and his commitment to the energy transition, particularly the construction of the World's first floating hydrogen import terminal. Additionally, addressing the issue of managing refugee distribution with the introduce of a payment card for refugees is a part of his campaign.
