CDU candidate wins OB election in Aue against right-wing extremists

Who are the "Free Saxons"?

His opponent from the "Free Saxons" was a co-founder of the "Free Saxons", of which he is now the vice-chairman. According to the Saxon Office for the Protection of the Constitution, this is a "group of neo-National Socialists, Die Heimat functionaries and other scene members or sympathizers organized as a party". Its anti-constitutional activities are directed against the existence of the federal government, it says. The party is therefore striving for more autonomy for Saxony - if necessary, even a "Säxit" in the style of the UK's Brexit exit from the EU. Saxony is understood not only in its current borders, but also in those of the former kingdom.

Constitutional protection classifies party as right-wing extremist

The small regional party is classified as right-wing extremist by the Saxon Office for the Protection of the Constitution - and also by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution - and claims to have around 1,200 members. The party repeatedly organizes public protests - such as torchlight marches against asylum seeker shelters.

According to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the "Free Saxons" also tried to gain influence in parliaments outside of street protests - they stood in local and state elections. "The "Free Saxons" see the political processes primarily as a useful tool to prepare for a system change," it says on the authority's website.

Town known for mining tradition

The town of Aue-Bad Schlema is located in the Ore Mountains, which is known nationwide for its mining tradition, arts and crafts and winter sports. Next year, it will host the Saxon State Garden Show.

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