Local Governments - Vonarb ousted in Gera; Dannenberg succeeds as new city leader.
During the Thuringian district and city council elections in 2018, Gera was the sole municipality where an AfD candidate made it to the second round of voting. However, in the end, both the AfD and a far-right-backed candidate didn't make it past the first round. These far-right supporters had previously rallied for the far-right candidate Dannenberg, even holding protests near Vonarb's home. Dannenberg, however, distanced himself from these actions.
Gera, with its 94,000 residents, is known for its anti-Corona measure protests and discontent with the federal government's politics. The city witnessed demonstrations regarding a proposed refugee home, as well. In May, Gera's unemployment rate stood at a whopping 9.6%, making it the highest in Thuringian districts and cities.
People have long criticized the order office under Dannenberg, accusing it of being too lenient towards right-wing protesters. Dannenberg, in defense, argued, "A bureaucracy should remain unbiased, regardless of whether it's a left-, right-, or center-oriented demonstration." [Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)]
