Local Election 2026: 'Here I can really make a difference'
A journalist and author plans to run for the Green Party in a local election in Bavaria, challenging a long-time incumbent.
Ronja von Wurmb-Seibel, a journalist and bestselling author, is aiming to become the Landrätin in Fürstenfeldbruck representing the Green Party in the upcoming 2026 local elections. Having lived in Kabul for two years and reported for major publications, she wants to leverage her experiences to bring positive change to her community. Her candidacy is significant as she is up against an incumbent from the conservative CSU party who has held the position for three decades. The local political landscape is gearing up for a competitive election, with von Wurmb-Seibel being one of six challengers, including five men and another woman. A recent public discussion showcased the candidates, where the current Landrat, Thomas Karmasin, engaged with citizens, offering insights into their political agendas. However, the presence of an AfD candidate highlighted the varying levels of engagement and articulateness among the candidates, emphasizing the challenges faced by certain parties in connecting with voters. Von Wurmb-Seibel's motivations for entering local politics stem from a desire to affect genuine change, seeking to address local issues and bring fresh perspectives to the office. The electoral context reveals not only a shift in candidate profiles but also an underlying narrative about the values and future direction of local governance in Bavaria.