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.
