Thuringia’s Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow has complained that no candidates will be running in 91 places in his country’s local elections on Sunday and sees this as a warning sign for democracy.
“I view this development with concern,” said the left-wing politician to the Editorial Network Germany (RND). “In the end, people are elected in these places. But it is a warning sign where democracy will weaken first.” Ramelow added: “It has to be about revitalizing democracy and improving the appreciation for incumbents, but also about stronger protection.” Thuringia’s Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) I already took measures to do this some time ago.
The Thuringian State Office for Statistics announced at the end of last week that 18,986 candidates were running for a total of 7,464 seats in the district council/city council and local council elections on May 26th. The message then goes on to say: “In 91 districts/towns, ‘empty ballot papers’ will be handed out for the district/town mayor election.” Voters would have the opportunity to enter their own election proposals on these blank ballot papers. Recently, attacks on local politicians and election campaigners have also increased in Thuringia.