Religious institution - City council member now held by a pastor for the AfD.
In April, the Evangelical Church in Middle Germany put in motion disciplinary actions against Michaelis, who was running as an Independent candidate on the AfD list. Consequently, the pastor was banned from making any public proclamations and administering sacraments, including baptisms and communions. The church expected Michaelis, as a pastor, to oppose extreme right-wing views, as announced during that time.
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In the upcoming local elections, several municipalities in the Harz district of Saxony-Anhalt are anticipating significant contention due to the participation of Martin Michaelis, a city council member and former pastor, running on the AfD list. Despite the Church's disciplinary actions against him, Michaelis remains unapologetic about his political affiliations and public support for the right-wing party. Consequently, other religious parties and organizations in Central Germany have voiced their concerns about the impact of far-right ideologies on local politics. Furthermore, various prominent figures in the region have expressed their disagreement with Michaelis's actions, calling for a more inclusive and tolerant political climate.
