Meißen Mayor Race Too Close to Call, Controversial Candidate Challenges Incumbent

A close mayoral race in Meißen could lead to a runoff. The independent candidate's past ties to right-wing extremism have sparked controversy and drawn criticism.

, and Administrator

2025 October 6 . 10:23 PM

1 min read

In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are... — In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are many cars moving on the road. On either side of the road, we see grass and trees. This picture is clicked outside the city.

Meißen Mayor Race Too Close to Call, Controversial Candidate Challenges Incumbent

Sunday's mayoral election in Meißen, Saxony, may not yield a clear winner, potentially leading to a runoff on September 28. The race is between incumbent mayor Markus Renner and René Jurisch, an independent builder with a controversial past.

Jurisch, who ran with the support of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has a history of right-wing extremist ties. He was previously a member of the far-right NPD party and has a tattoo of a Nazi symbol. As a city councilor, he has hindered the work of the 'Buntes Meißen' democracy and integration alliance. His campaign video for the mayoral election sparked outrage and legal action from local businesses.

The AfD hopes for a prestigious victory in Meißen, where the successor to independent mayor Olaf Raschke will be elected. However, Jurisch's past has drawn criticism, and Renner, backed by CDU, SPD, Left Party, and local alliances, is favored to retain his position.

If no candidate secures over 50% of the votes, a runoff will be held on September 28. The election in Meißen is closely watched as it could signal the AfD's growing influence in Saxony's municipalities, following André Kämpfe's victory in Ohorn. However, Jurisch's controversial past may hinder the AfD's hopes for a victory.