The lead-up to the Kommunalwahlen (local elections) in Seligenstadt, Germany, has taken an unusual turn, as the local branch of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is employing tactics that are raising eyebrows and prompting legal scrutiny. AfD posters throughout the town now feature the addition of “Videoüberwachung” (video surveillance) stickers, sparking debate about whether This represents a legitimate security measure or a deliberate attempt to intimidate and mislead voters. The situation highlights growing tensions surrounding political campaigning and data privacy in the region.
The stickers, prominently displayed on posters near locations like the Amtsgericht (local court) and the Kettlerstraße roundabout in Klein-Welzheim, have led to questions from residents about whether the area is actually under surveillance. While the AfD maintains the stickers are a deterrent against vandalism – a recurring issue for their campaign materials – the move has prompted concerns about potential violations of personal privacy and the legality of creating the impression of monitoring in public spaces. The Kommunalwahlen are scheduled for March 15, 2026, according to the AfD Landesverband Hessen website here.
Concerns Raised by Residents and Local Officials
A local resident alerted the media to the stickers, describing the tactic as “very questionable.” The resident expressed concern that actual video surveillance in public areas would be a clear violation of privacy laws. However, they conceded the possibility that the stickers are simply intended as a deterrent. This sentiment was echoed by Stadtrat (city council member) Oliver Steidl (CDU), who reported receiving inquiries from worried citizens. Steidl emphasized that the city’s hands are tied legally as long as no data is actually being collected. “The nervousness about having to protect the posters in this form has surprised me. But from the city’s side, there is no need for action as long as no data is collected,” Steidl stated, as reported by OP-Online.
Steidl further explained that if someone *feels* they are being monitored due to the stickers, a civil legal action could be considered, though he noted such a case would likely be moot by the time the election posters are removed. He also raised a broader question about the boundaries of privacy, noting that many private citizens display similar signage on their property. The city has forwarded the matter to the Hessischen Beauftragten für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit (Hessian Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information) for review.
AfD Defends the Tactic as Anti-Vandalism Measure
The AfD Ortsverband (local branch) has defended the use of the stickers, stating they are primarily intended to protect their election posters from repeated damage, theft and vandalism. AfD member Carsten Wagner explained that the party has experienced multiple instances of their posters being defaced in the past. Steidl confirmed this, acknowledging that AfD posters have been targeted. Wagner asserted that the party is taking appropriate protective measures within the bounds of the law and that no unauthorized collection of data is taking place.
According to a press release from the Stadt Seligenstadt, six parties, including the AfD, have been approved to participate in the upcoming Kommunalwahlen here. The AfD is also standing candidates in Hainburg and Mainhausen for the first time, signaling a broader push for local representation, as reported by OP-Online.
What’s Next for Seligenstadt?
Currently, authorities have deemed the stickers permissible as long as no data is being collected. However, the incident has sparked a wider conversation about the limits of political campaigning and the importance of protecting citizens’ privacy. The outcome of the review by the Hessischen Beauftragten für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future election campaigns. As the Kommunalwahlen approach, residents of Seligenstadt are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the democratic process.
What are your thoughts on the use of these tactics during election campaigns? Share your opinions in the comments below.
