Mayoral Election: CDU Candidate Wins Aue OB Election Against Far-Right Opponent

Marcus Hoffmann of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has won the mayoral election in Aue-Bad Schlema, defeating a candidate from the far-right group "Freie Sachsen." Hoffmann secured 5,007 votes in the second round of voting, surpassing his opponent who received 4,499 votes, according to the city's announcement.

This victory maintains CDU's hold on the town of 19,000 residents. The incumbent mayor, Heinrich Kohl of the CDU, who has served since 1999, is retiring due to age. Hoffmann, 41, who previously worked in the city's construction department, emphasized his desire for residents to see the town's potential during his campaign.

His opponent, a co-founder and vice-chairman of "Freie Sachsen," was previously a functionary of the NPD, now known as "Die Heimat." The Saxon domestic intelligence agency classifies "Freie Sachsen" as a right-wing extremist group aiming for greater autonomy for Saxony, potentially through a "Säxit."

Aue-Bad Schlema is located in the Ore Mountains, a region known for its mining tradition, handicrafts, and winter sports. The town is also set to host the Saxon State Garden Show next year.