Narrow victory in the Erzgebirge: CDU-OB relies on cooperation

The CDU has narrowly won the mayoral election in Aue-Bad Schlema in the Ore Mountains. Their candidate still wants to shake hands with the losing candidate from the far-right "Free Saxons". CDU election winner Marcus Hoffmann told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur when asked whether he would also approach Stefan Hartung: "Yes of course, we have to work together. Specifically in the city council."

The election had attracted attention beyond Saxony - the "New York Times" also reported on it. Hartung was ahead of Hoffmann in the first round of voting on May 10. The picture was reversed on Sunday: Hoffmann (41) received 5,007 votes in the second round of voting according to the preliminary results, while Hartung (37) came in with 4,499 votes. Hartung is a member of the city council and the district council and was still in the lead on Sunday until the postal votes were counted. Hoffmann then overtook him.

Constitutional protection classifies party as right-wing extremist

Hartung was an official of the NPD - now "Die Heimat" - for many years. He is a co-founder of "Free Saxony", of which he is now vice chairman. The small 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 has around 1,200 members, according to its own information. The party repeatedly organizes public protests - such as torchlight marches against asylum seeker accommodation.

According to the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the party is striving for more autonomy for Saxony - including a "Säxit" if necessary, in reference to 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.

Hartung says he is counting on good cooperation with the new mayor on the city council and wishes him "good luck in the interests of our city." Immediately after his election defeat, Hartung had said that Hoffmann had been elected by many "to prevent me". That was not a good omen.

Region is known for its mining tradition

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