"In certain circles, faith in fellow citizens has waned significantly"
In a Nutshell, voters in three eastern German states are voting for new state parliaments. What's the current scenario? An encounter with a mayor in Saxony's Vogtland region.
When Saxony news surfaces, it's often not overly complimentary. Incidents like attacks on refugee homes, the discontent of Pegida members, protests against Pride events, such as the recent one in Bautzen, are common. Positive tales, such as the successes of VW and BMW factories, the semiconductor industry, or even the scenic appeal of the region and cities, take a back seat.
Despite this, the state election on September 1st is approaching. However, what's the real situation on the ground? Steering clear of major cities like Dresden, Leipzig, or Chemnitz? What's life like in smaller towns? Auerbach, a town in the Vogtland, is one such place. With around 18,000 residents, it seems familiar, not just to Saxony. Three towers, from two churches and a castle, stand out in the city's skyline. Entering the town via Oberer Bahnhofstraße, opulent villas from the Gründerzeit era catch the eye. Towards the end of the 19th century, around 40,000 people resided in Auerbach, with a substantial portion working in the textile industry.
But time has moved on. During the GDR era, the population had decreased to half, manufacturing Plauen lace, nightwear, and curtains for even western mail-order companies. Post-unification, most businesses shut down, and switching to the D-Mark rendered many companies like Quelle, Neckermann, or Otto financially unviable. Yet, Auerbach has recuperated, to some extent.
During the city council elections in early June, the AfD received 28.1 percent, a surge of 9 percentage points. The CDU remains the strongest force with 30 percent. However, political discussions aren't the only topic this summer. The Auerbachers celebrated their city festival, featuring Stefanie Hertl and her Dirndl band, as well as Depeche Mode and Rod Stewart cover bands. The German championship in watersliding was also held at a local swimming pool.
Mayor Jens Scharff and his spokesperson, Hagen Hartwig, invested time for a conversation in his town hall office.
ntv.de: Mr. Scharff, how's your city doing?
Jens Scharff: We're managing well. The issue at hand is that we're shrinking. At the time of reunification, we had about 25,000 inhabitants. Now, we stand at barely 18,000. After the textile industry collapsed, many women left, and the typical seamstresses didn't have children here. The population trend for the next 10 to 15 years points towards 15,000. Hopefully, it stabilizes at that level.**
How do you combat this situation?
The federal and, to some extent, state governments have focused on "lighthouse politics" for decades. The goal: attract everyone to the centers! They're overflowing. Implementing my approach could change things.
And what would that be?
We've completed broadband expansion. Having a better rail connection, enabling people to easily commute to Dresden or Leipzig, would greatly enhance the appeal of settling here. IT companies could provide their employees with a high-quality living space at low prices, and everyone would benefit. Not necessarily by building more apartments in Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich.
What should Minister President Kretschmer do to make your life easier?
Meeting more frequently and listening to us would be beneficial. However, funds aren't plentiful. We will face financial constraints in the long term. With fewer residents, we receive fewer key allocations from the state. Our sizable infrastructure cannot be maintained as is without the required funding, which leads to dissatisfaction among the locals.
Is your work essentially that of a "shortage administration"?
Not yet, but it's becoming a concern. A district-level budget freeze was imposed 3 months ago due to the sharp rise in social expenses. The latest public sector wage agreement costs the city 800,000 euros annually. With a total budget of 33 million, these issues give me cause for worry.
But there's still a glimmer of hope.
Swiss automotive supplier EAO, present in Auerbach since 1991, intends to significantly expand its site. Currently, they employ 105 people and aim to create 150 new jobs. Following the expansion, EAO will be the largest employer in production. Something truly impactful is being developed here, radiating positively throughout Europe.
Do you have sufficient skilled workers in the region for this expansion?
Having an affordable cost of living here is indeed an advantage, leading some individuals to move here. One can lead a luxurious life with a moderate income.
Given your hope for skilled labor influx, do the electoral successes of the AfD, present in Auerbach as well, pose a challenge?
In Auerbach, there haven't been significant issues regarding individuals without German citizenship thus far. This city is home to 850 non-German passport holders, hailing from countries such as Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria, France, and even Venezuela.
What about refugees?
About a fourth of the 850 are refugees from Ukraine. EU nations make up the next largest groups, followed by around 50 refugees from Syria. We've also had a few unaccompanied minors. Fortunately, we've mostly been hosting families, which we've integrated decentrally to avoid large refugee accommodations and potential conflict. We've managed this well, with enough apartments to accommodate them. In 2015, we experienced a wave of about 150 to 180 refugees, prompting us to establish emergency housing for a brief period. However, the city's community showed immense kindness during this time.
And the Ukrainians? What's the general sentiment?
The sentiment depends on their behavior upon arrival. If someone rolls up in a fur coat, driving an SUV, the reception isn't as warm. However, these individuals tend to leave due to Auerbach's small size. Those who remain are typically mothers or fathers with their children, learning German and integrating into the workforce.
Was it proper to provide financial support to Ukrainian refugees immediately?
This is a topic of debate, particularly with individuals who do not seek employment. I lack the specific figures for this. But it's true that some refuse to work.
But the scale seems manageable for Auerbach.
Councilor Hagen Hartwig: Compared to cities like Plauen, we've had it relatively easy. Many people no longer feel safe in Plauen's city center due to foreign criminality.
Is that truly the case, or is it simply a feeling?
Scharff: The feeling is significantly worse than the actual facts. Even when we consider Auerbach's crime statistics, we've seen a decrease in cases for years. We've presented these figures in a city council meeting to assuage the public's fears: We do not face this issue. While it may feel like a problem, it can't be empirically proven.
Hartwig: It also depends on management. We have a home for unaccompanied minor refugees in our area, run by the Diakonie. Initially, I requested a different parking spot for fear that their actions might damage my car. However, the Diakonie effectively manages the situation.
I took in two Syrian refugees at home in 2015, along with my wife. This experience made me more humble and changed my perspective. One of them lost his left arm in an Aleppo rocket attack, leaving him and his younger brother as refugees. My wife and I welcomed them into our home. Many Auerbach residents admired our actions and understood our motives.
Why did you request a different parking space for the refugee home, if you took in Syrian refugees yourself?
Hartwig: I found this confusion within myself as well. On one hand, I feared potential damage to my car. On the other hand, two Syrian refugees moved into my home. People often asked me: Why are you doing this? I answered: I've seen their suffering, and they need help. I hoped for a better outcome for those two boys, and it came to pass. Many Auerbach residents shared this sentiment.
In your newly elected city council, the AfD secured five seats out of 18.
Scharff: But they're already quarreling among themselves, having lost one of their seats. I can't quite fathom their internal dynamics. One craftsman among their ranks is quite socially minded, having undergone further training with the hospice association. He lives in a village near ours with his partner. He doesn't match my stereotype of an AfD member at all. I haven't heard any negative reports about another young, socially minded member, either.
Auerbach is a charming little town, well-maintained, clean, and neat. It seems unlikely that 30% of the population would support the AfD when viewed from an outsider's perspective.
I believe that many of the federal policies of the past 20 years are seeping into Auerbach's collective consciousness. The most contentious issue in 2015 was allowing refugees into the country without proper regulation.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
If someone asks me, I always reply: I can't say how I'd have handled the situation back then. I wouldn't want to be in Chancellor Merkel's shoes, dealing with thousands of refugees at the borders. There was no other option than to allow them in, as shooting them was out of the question. I'm a Christian, so I understand why people were allowed into the country.
What factors contributed to the AfD's success in Auerbach?
Corona has wreaked havoc and divided society into two camps, rendering trust in authorities almost obsolete.
Should this issue be reopened politically?
I don't know. Some citizens have become distrustful, leading to a point where revisiting this topic will likely prompt accusations of covering up the truth.
Is the AfD adding fuel to this situation's intensity?
Hard to say.
I view the AfD as emulating Trump's tactics. They present themselves in a populist manner and align with the popular beliefs among the people. Since there's already a distrust towards both private and public broadcasters, it boils down to: If everything else is false, then everything the AfD claims must be true. That's their perspective. This isn't positive, but federal politics also plays a part.
How so?
This administration struggles to communicate a clear vision to the people. They merely argue and argue, with slogans such as "We must no longer burn anything and everyone must install a heat pump" creating more confusion. The communication strategy is a disaster.
As an independent mayor, which is more common in eastern Germany, why haven't you joined a party?
It was beneficial for me to run for election as an independent and have never been associated with a party. The loss of trust in established parties has also become common, leading people to favor an independent candidate for a position such as this. It's generally assumed that party members are only loyal to their party's ideology. However, that's not always the case.
Does this skepticism stem from the past experiences in the DDR? Back then, people were deceived by both media and government.
I often hear: It's worse now than it was in the DDR. At least we were aware that we were being deceived.
Recently, Dirk Neubauer, the district administrator of Mittelsachsen, resigned due to the intense harassment of his family.
Perhaps Mr. Neubauer's polarizing manner drew further insults. I've only received one threatening letter during my term.
Why?
I voiced the opinion that no one should demonize individuals without German citizenship.
Was that too provocative? What was its content?
It was not a death threat, but it said: "We know where you live and who your family is." Regardless, everyone in Auerbach is generally aware of this information. However, receiving an anonymous letter like that in your mailbox was concerning. But I am not afraid.
Jens Scharff interviewed Volker Petersen.
The Commission might be interested in discussing the impact of the election results on smaller towns like Auerbach with Mayor Scharff. Despite the recent success of the AfD in Auerbach's city council elections, Mayor Scharff emphasizes the need for better rail connections and broadband expansion to attract businesses and skilled workers to maintain the city's vitality.
