Thuringia's Government: Investigate Cyberattack on Regional IT Systems Investigate the cyberattack targeting Thuringia's regional IT systems, urges the local government. - Why did a neo-Nazi candidate get approval for local elections? (Tommy Frenck)
In the Hildburghausen district in Thuringia, there's a smiling face on campaign posters. Tommy Frenck, a young and well-groomed politician with short hair and a neatly trimmed beard, proudly declares "Tommy Frenck for a strong homeland." The BZH, the citizen initiative he's representing in these local elections, might seem just like any other. Yet, Frenck and the BZH are not your typical political group.
Frenck, an influential and well-known neo-Nazi, has received 25% of the votes in his district, earning him a spot in the runoff for the county executive position. His image on the posters could have been more intimidating, considering hishistory. Frenck is adorned with an "Aryan" tattoo - a clear symbol of white supremacy - and has organized right-wing rock festivals like "Rock against Immigration." He also operates an online store selling extreme right-wing paraphernalia, from weapons to T-shirts, beer, and schnapps. The domestic intelligence agency keeps a close eye on him, and he's had his fair share of legal woes, with convictions for inciting hatred.
Despite this, Frenck was not only allowed to participate in the election but also received more votes this year, with 24.9% - a marked improvement from 17% in 2018. The Thuringian electoral law should have prevented him from participating, as it states that anyone who doesn't "promise to always act in favor of the free democratic basic order according to the Basic Law and the state constitution" can't vote. But it's ultimately up to the electoral commission, a committee of five politicians, to make the final call.
The domestic intelligence agency submitted its own report on Frenck and his BZH, but the committee members seemingly took note without hesitation. Incidentally, the magazine "Focus" reported that the election officer and two CDU members were the ones who voted in favor of Frenck's candidacy. With three out of five votes, he was allowed to run. The alleged factor that clinched it? Frenck's potential presence at the election, intimidating the attendees.
Local citizens and parties were furious with this decision, with administrative lawyer Michael Brenner telling MDR Thuringia, "This candidate cannot be said to stand on the ground of the Basic Law and the free democratic basic order." Yet, the outcome remained unchallenged.
The chairman of the election committee, Mario Geitt, later confirmed that the committee's decision was "final." As it stands, Frenck may not hold the position of district administrator for Hildburghausen, as he lost to Sven Gregor from the Free Voters with 42.4% of the votes. Still, the possibility that a neo-Nazi made it this far in the election raises some serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process. French: Un néonazi pourrait être élu maire : Tommy Frenck a obtenu près de 25% des voix dans son district
Still, the outcome remained unchallenged.
The chairman of the election committee, Mario Geitt, later confirmed that the committee's decision was "final." As it stands, Frenck may not hold the position of district administrator for Hildburghausen, as he lost to Sven Gregor from the Free Voters with a resounding 42.4% of the votes. However, the fact that a neo-Nazi managed to gain this much support in the election does bring into question the entire process. An alleged neo-Nazi overcame legal hurdles to run for county executive in Germany
This highlights the challenges for anti-extremism laws and the mechanisms that support their enforcement in a democratic country like Germany. It's crucial to find a balance between allowing for the operation of democratic processes and preventing the rise of hate-filled voices. Frenck's case poses serious questions about both the extent of these laws and their application in practice. L'élection neo-nazie en Thuringe : la commission électorale a-t-elle violemment piégée?
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Source: www.stern.de
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