The election of a neo-Nazi politician as a municipal administrator in Altenstadt-Waldsiedlung, in Hesse, central Germany has sparked outrage. Stefan Jagsch of the National Democratic Party (NDP) was unanimously elected to the post by council members on the 5th of September.
Jagsch announced his election in a Facebook post on Thursday, concluding the statement with “From the people, for the people.”
The far-right extremist NDP was founded in 1964 and has been described as supporting neo-Nazi ideology and its founders include former Nazi supporters. German authorities have tried to ban the political party but with no success.
Reactions
Council members who voted for Jagsch included those from German Vice-Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and her coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD). This has led to outrage from party leaders.
Lars Klingbeil, General Secretary of the SPD, tweeted: “The SPD has a very clear position: we do not cooperate with Nazis! Never! That applies to the federal government, the state and municipalities. The decision in Altenstadt is incomprehensible and cannot be justified. It must be reversed immediately. #noNPD.”
SPD deputy leader, Ralf Stegner, also denounced Jagsch’s election in a tweet, calling it “intolerable and completely unacceptable!”
Peter Tauber, a CDU member of Germany’s lower parliament for Hesse, also expressed his displeasure on Twitter, threatening action against the voters.
“Anyone who lacks the political and moral compass and who makes such an irresponsible election decision as a Democrat is unacceptable in the CDU and on a CDU electoral roll,” he tweeted.
No Alternative
Some party leaders have called for a reversal of the vote. This would, however, prove difficult. Jagsch was democratically elected with approval of all seven council members because he stood unopposed. Their parties would first need to find an alternative candidate.
Markus Brando, SPD regional leader in Altenstadt reportedly said he had called a special party meeting to find an explanation.
