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Gelsenkirchen in transition: SPD and AfD in the electoral clash!
Find out more about Gelsenkirchen, local elections in 2025, challenges and political developments in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Gelsenkirchen in transition: SPD and AfD in the electoral clash!
The political landscape is currently changing in Gelsenkirchen, and not for the best. Ahead of the local elections on September 14, 2025, there are clear signs that the AfD is still on the rise. While the SPD, traditionally a strong force in the region, is worried about its voters, the AfD has the opportunity to consolidate its position. This is supported by various analyzes published in recent weeks. An analysis by zdfheute.de shows that Gelsenkirchen is suffering from a structural crisis that is exacerbated by poverty migration from Eastern Europe.
The AfD, led by its candidate Norbert Emmerich, focuses on security as a central issue. The 72-year-old plans to appoint so-called “village sheriffs” to strengthen citizens’ sense of security. But the city's police are skeptical and describe this proposal as legally questionable and not effective. Despite these concerns, the AfD stands out in Gelsenkirchen, where it received the most second votes in the last federal election. This trend could increase further in the upcoming local elections, as Süddeutsche reports.
Challenges for the SPD
It is becoming increasingly difficult for the SPD to reach traditional voters. Many former supporters have turned to the CDU or the AfD in recent years. Andrea Henze, the current SPD candidate for mayor, is trying to win back these voters. It focuses on topics such as education, work and the economy and calls for more efficient administrative processes and support from the federal government. Unfortunately, things are not looking rosy at the moment: Gelsenkirchen is not only struggling with a high unemployment rate, but also with pressure from young people to emigrate.
Political expert Stefan Marschall describes the rise of the AfD as a gradual process. He notes that this was already visible in previous elections and that there could be a possible runoff election between the SPD and AfD in Gelsenkirchen. Herbert Reul, the NRW Interior Minister, has pointed out that the democratic parties have encouraged the rise of the AfD in the past.