Strasser vs. Möller: Who will decide the election in Frankfurt (Oder)?

Strasser vs. Möller: Who will decide the election in Frankfurt (Oder)?

The elections are just around the corner in Frankfurt (Oder) and the tension is rising. On October 12, 2025, citizens can cast their vote to elect a new mayor. The independent candidate Axel Strasser has already found a good place for himself and was ahead in the election on September 21st with 32.4 percent of the vote. But the path to election is anything but easy. nd-current reports that questions about collaboration with Strasser also remain unanswered within the Left. Anja Kreisel, the Left district chairwoman, sees it as her duty to campaign for the non-party candidate. Whether Strasser can clearly differentiate himself from the AfD also remains questionable.

His main opponent will be Wilko Möller from the AfD, who is just behind Strasser with 30.2 percent. Möller is not exactly seen as the one who ensures unity and cohesion in the city. Rather, he is seen by political observers as a potential cause of exclusion and division. In comparison, Strasser enjoys a reputation as a Democratic candidate who has the potential for constructive urban development.

The framework conditions

A total of four candidates took part in the election, but none achieved the required absolute majority. In addition to Strasser and Möller, the CDU candidate Désirée Schrade with 28.8 percent and the SPD candidate Simona Koß with 8.6 percent are eliminated from the race. An agreement between the major parties might have given Schrade a place in the runoff, but that didn't happen. Clemens Rostock, state chairman of the Green Party, also regrets this, and emphasizes that everything must be done to prevent Möller.

The voter turnout of citizens is 53.4 percent, which is an impressive number given that there are almost 46,000 residents eligible to vote. Strasser, who works as a political scientist and speaker at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and has lived in Frankfurt for five years, sees the 7,942 votes as confirmation of his vision. It remains to be seen how voters will decide on October 12th, especially given that the city has already had an independent mayor. Martin Wilke was replaced in 2018 and the question remains whether Strasser can avoid this fate.

Whether voters are prepared to vote for a new political direction in Frankfurt (Oder) on this day remains exciting. Axel Strasser could emerge as one of the decisive players, but the competition never sleeps. Möller has positioned himself clearly in the political landscape and avoided xenophobic rhetoric to portray himself as a tough fighter for change in city politics. The decision about the city's future political direction is now in the hands of the voters.

On October 12th it will be seen whether Strasser and the other candidates can collect enough votes to convince citizens of their concepts. Until then, it remains important to keep a close eye on developments and stimulate political discussion. Because, as we know: There’s something going on!