SPD candidate Frank Steffen (l., SPD) won the district election in Märkisch Oderland against AfD man Rainer Galla (r.) Photo: Bernd Settnik Patrick Pleul/dpa
By Michael Sauerbier
That was close! In the Tesla district of Märkisch-Oderland, SPD candidate Frank Steffen (53) prevented the first AfD victory in a district election. After a crime count, the Social Democrat won on Sunday with 52.4 percent against Rainer Galla (61) from the right-wing extremists (47.6 percent).
Election thriller at the gates of the capital! 152,000 residents of Märkisch-Oderland were able to vote on the new head of the district office. He rules the region from Berlin to the Oder. Here is the Grünheider Tesla factory (10,000 employees) – and the initial reception for thousands of refugees in Eisenhüttenstadt.
Best chances for Tesla critics and anti-refugee Galla: In the first ballot three weeks ago, he was ahead with 24.8 percent. SPD man Steffen (mayor of Beeskow) only came second with 22.5%. Left and Greens did not support Steffen, CDU and Free Voters.
The AfD man was also ahead for three quarters of an hour when counting the runoff. But the result of the postal vote turned the tide.
Final status: Steffen becomes the new district administrator, Galla remains an employee of the AfD parliamentary group.