Eisenhüttenstadt Elects Independent Marko Henkel as New Mayor

After AfD's strong showing in the federal election, Eisenhüttenstadt voters choose an independent candidate, marking a change in the city's political dynamics.

, and Administrator

2025 October 13 . 6:02 PM

1 min read

This picture is clicked outside the city. In the middle of the picture, we see men in the uniform... — This picture is clicked outside the city. In the middle of the picture, we see men in the uniform are walking on the road. Behind them, we see iron railing. There are trees and poles in the background.

Eisenhüttenstadt Elects Independent Marko Henkel as New Mayor

Eisenhuettenstadt, a city renowned for its steel industry and once a model socialist city of the GDR, has elected Marko Henkel as its new mayor. Henkel, an independent candidate with the support of the SPD, won the runoff election against AfD's Maik Diepold with a clear majority of 57% of the votes.

The February federal election saw the AfD perform strongly in the city, highlighting the political divisions. However, Henkel's victory indicates a shift in the city's political landscape. The election saw a turnout of 48%.

Henkel succeeds Frank Balzer of the SPD, who held the position since 2017. Henkel's political background remains largely unknown, with no detailed public information available. Despite running as an independent, he was nominated by the SPD.

Marko Henkel takes the helm of Eisenhüttenstadt, a city of around 24,000 inhabitants that plays a significant role in immigration due to its central immigration office. His election signals a change in the city's political dynamics, with voters choosing an independent candidate over the AfD's candidate.