The AfD is accumulating wealth in Chemnitz through division strategies.
The Chemnitz City Council has finally resumed its activities following a weeks-long deadlock, caused by a split within the local chapter of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
The dispute between faction leader Nico Köhler and council faction leader Volker Dringenberg led to multiple attempts to expel Köhler, which were ultimately unsuccessful in court. As a result, the AfD in Chemnitz now has two factions: the "AfD City Council Faction" with three members and the "AfD City Council Faction Chemnitz" with twelve members.
The split stemmed from an internal dispute involving accusations of abuse of office concerning discounted parking spaces in a parking garage. This unfortunate incident led twelve councilors to found a new faction, further complicating the political landscape of the city council.
In a special session on Monday, the city parliament filled its committees and various advisory boards. The increase in the size of specialist committees from 13 to 15 members was decided to prevent the SPD from losing a seat, the CDU gaining one, and the influence of the AfD remaining roughly the same. Both new AfD factions can now send representatives to these committees according to their strength.
Despite initial doubts, both AfD representations were ultimately recognized by the city council. This recognition allows the new faction to send three members to the specialist committees, as per their strength, and the old one can send an additional member.
It's important to note that the AfD, the strongest force in the 2024 local election with 24.3 percent, is now represented by two groups. This split is not the first of its kind in Saxon municipal politics, as there are precedents, such as the split of the Left faction in the Dresden city council after the Woba privatization in 2007.
In a broader context, the AfD sees good chances for the mayoral election in Meißen with a former NPD man, although this fact is not directly related to the city council situation in Chemnitz.
The consequences for council work remained unclear for a long time, leading to a significant extension of its summer break. However, with the recognition of both factions and the filling of committees, the city council is now back in session, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
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