German 'rust belt' town spotlights growing appeal of the far right

  • News
  • February 24, 2025

Duisburg is a steel town and traditional symbol of Germany’s industrial might, and Duisburg North has long been a stronghold of the Social Democrats (SPD) of Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

But, as the city went into industrial decline, so the political landscape has shifted, with many SPD voters saying they no longer feel represented by the party.

The upheaval was clear as election results rolled in late Sunday.

According to a nearly complete vote count, the AfD more than doubled its share in Duisburg North from the last elections in 2021, hitting over 24 percent, just slightly behind the SPD, which shed around 10 points.

‘Mood is bad’

Ludger Schulppen, a former SPD member who switched to backing the AfD, said the city is struggling with a growing number of migrants that it cannot support.

“So many companies are closing, it’s just not possible for people to come and just go and work,” the 63-year-old told AFP.

Related Posts

  • February 25, 2025
  • 61 views
Transgender religious order gets rare approval at India Hindu festival

Prayagraj (India) (AFP) – Transgender activists often shunned by society say they have found rare acceptance at India’s Hindu Kumbh Mela festival by giving blessings to pilgrims attending the world’s largest religious gathering.

  • February 25, 2025
  • 62 views
Stuck in eternal drought, UAE turns to AI to make it rain

Abu Dhabi (AFP) – In the marbled halls of a luxury hotel, leading experts are discussing a new approach to an age-old problem: how to make it rain in the UAE, the wealthy Gulf state that lies in one of the world’s biggest deserts.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Missed

Transgender religious order gets rare approval at India Hindu festival

  • February 25, 2025
  • 61 views
Transgender religious order gets rare approval at India Hindu festival

Stuck in eternal drought, UAE turns to AI to make it rain

  • February 25, 2025
  • 62 views
Stuck in eternal drought, UAE turns to AI to make it rain

Trump's chip tariff threats raise stakes for Taiwan

  • February 25, 2025
  • 63 views
Trump's chip tariff threats raise stakes for Taiwan

Galatasaray accuse Mourinho of 'racist statements' after derby

  • February 25, 2025
  • 77 views
Galatasaray accuse Mourinho of 'racist statements' after derby

Fears of US public health crises grow amid falling vaccination rates

  • February 25, 2025
  • 71 views
Fears of US public health crises grow amid falling vaccination rates

Latin American classics get the streaming treatment

  • February 25, 2025
  • 59 views
Latin American classics get the streaming treatment