In Hesse's eastern Wetterau region, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party had previously garnered significant support in state and federal elections, suggesting a strong local base. However, as the next municipal elections approach, the party has decided not to contest in its former stronghold of Hirzenhain, a village that had historically leaned towards the Social Democrats (SPD) but saw a shift towards more conservative votes in recent years. This decision raises questions about the current status and strategy of the AfD in local politics compared to their past performances.

Hirzenhain was once a bastion for the SPD during the time when major employer Buderus operated there, consistently yielding votes for the social democratic candidates. However, the political landscape has since changed, with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) managing to fend off the growing surge of the AfD during the state elections in Autumn 2023. Despite an impressive showing in the previous Bundestag election, where the AfD achieved 30.25% of the vote, its lack of participation in an area where it had previously thrived highlights potential internal struggles or a strategic retreat.

The absence of the AfD from the municipal elections is not merely an isolated incident but seems to point towards a broader trend in which the party struggles to maintain its footing in local governance. Whereas they performed notably well in both state and European elections recently, the decision not to present candidates in their strongholds suggests a significant disconnect between their national appeal and local engagement, raising concerns about their long-term viability and the implications for their supporters in the region.