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

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.