Ludwigshafen residents will choose a new mayor on Sunday, October 13, 2024, following the exclusion of AfD candidate paul from the runoff election. The decision to disqualify paul has significantly altered the electoral landscape, setting the stage for a contest between incumbent Peter Kurz and challenger Marcus Jung.
The mayoral election is crucial for Ludwigshafen, a city of approximately 173,000 people in Rhineland-Palatinate, as it navigates ongoing social and political challenges. The exclusion of a candidate from a major party is rare and has fueled debate about democratic processes and electoral eligibility. The outcome will shape the city’s direction on issues ranging from integration and urban development to economic policy and social cohesion. A decisive result is expected to provide stability and a clear mandate for the winning candidate to address these pressing concerns.
The first round of voting saw Peter Kurz secure 35.7% of the vote, while marcus Jung received 28.2%. Paul, the AfD candidate, garnered 17.8% – a result that, despite not qualifying him for the runoff, demonstrated a notable level of support within the city. The decision to exclude Paul from the second round was made following a review of his candidacy, though specific details regarding the disqualification have not been widely publicized.
