SPD and Green political figures issue caution over a potential shift towards the right in Thuringia's local balloting.
SPD politician Ralf Stegner voiced concerns about the upcoming election, saying they're not unwarranted. He told Handelsblatt that the answer requires a "more determined effort by democratic parties." Essential skills include resolving everyday issues, effective communication, and being tough against democracy's enemies.
Thorsten Frei (CDU), CDU/CSU parliamentary group's Parliamentary Secretary, downplayed the situation, saying he didn't believe in "freezing like a rabbit in the headlights" before a snake. The AfD and other fringe-politicians can be defeated locally, according to him.
Both Mihalic and Stegner advocated for a cross-party agreement on a democratic candidate in case of run-off elections in Thuringian municipalities. Mihalic argued that this would require the parties to "engage in conversation to prevent the most undesirable outcomes." Stegner emphasized the irresponsibility of democrats if they fail to work together during such situations.
However, Frei disagreed, arguing that local candidates don't need advice from Berlin on fighting extremists on the ground. They're best equipped to handle the situation themselves.
In Thuringia, approximately 1.7 million people are eligible to vote in the local elections this Sunday. They will decide on district council compositions, as well as city and municipal council representatives. District councillors will also be elected in 13 out of 17 districts. New mayors will be chosen for the independent cities of Erfurt, Jena, Gera, Suhl, and Weimar, as well as Eisenach.
Roughly 7500 seats in local parliaments are up for grabs. The main focus is anticipated to be on the AfD's performance, given its strong presence in several municipalities. These local elections are also viewed as a temperament test for the Thuringia state elections on September 1.
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Source: www.stern.de
