The AfD is putting the independent building contractor René Jurisch in the running for mayor of Meissen. The 51-year-old was chosen by the district association with 18 out of 24 votes for the election on September 7, the party announced, describing Jurisch as a "Meissen veteran". He was temporarily a member of the far-right NPD more than 20 years ago.
"Meissen is the cradle of Saxony and therefore probably also one of the most important and, above all, most beautiful and oldest cities in the Free State. As a native and local building contractor, I know almost all the problems and also the many sunny sides of the city," the AfD quoted the candidate as saying. If elected, he wants to see himself as an employee of the citizens and conduct his official duties accordingly.
In December 2023, the AfD won the top seat in a Saxon town hall for the first time. In Pirna, this was also achieved with a non-party candidate - Tim Lochner. The Saxon AfD is classified as right-wing extremist by the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, but is legally defending itself against this.
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