Janice R. Andrews
Gelsenkirchen, Germany’s poorest city, is battling economic decline and the rising popularity of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Once a thriving industrial hub in the Ruhr region, the city now grapples with high unemployment, poverty, and social challenges. Despite these struggles, local leaders and residents are working to counter the AfD’s influence and revive their community.
A City in Decline
Gelsenkirchen, located in Germany’s western Ruhr area, has faced a dramatic economic downturn over the past decades. Once a symbol of Germany’s post-war “economic miracle,” the city flourished as a coal-producing powerhouse, attracting workers from across Europe. However, the closure of its last mine in 2008 marked the end of an era. Today, Gelsenkirchen is the poorest city in Germany, with an average annual income of less than €18,000 ($18,762) and an unemployment rate of over 14%.
The city’s struggles are visible in its streets, where garbage piles up and abandoned buildings dot the landscape. One in four working residents relies on social welfare, and the city’s population has plummeted from nearly 400,000 in the 1960s to around 258,000 today. Mayor Karin Welge, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), describes the city’s decline as a “brutal structural collapse.”
The Rise of the AfD
The economic hardships have created fertile ground for the far-right AfD, which has gained significant support in recent years. Traditionally a stronghold for the SPD, the Ruhr region has seen a shift in political allegiances as residents grow disillusioned with mainstream parties. In the 2024 European Parliament elections, the AfD won 21.7% of the vote in Gelsenkirchen, coming within 1,600 votes of securing first place.
The AfD’s rise has been fueled by mistrust, Islamophobia, and frustration over the city’s inability to integrate new arrivals, particularly from Bulgaria and Romania. Mayor Welge acknowledges that Gelsenkirchen’s reputation as a melting pot of successful integration has eroded, opening the door for radical forces.
Efforts to Revive the City
Despite these challenges, Gelsenkirchen is fighting back. Local initiatives aim to breathe new life into the city and counter the AfD’s narrative. One such project is the Nordsternpark, built on the site of a former mine. The 100-hectare park attracts 200,000 visitors annually and features a climbing area, an amphitheater, and a towering lookout platform. Reinhold Adam, a former miner who now leads guided tours, takes pride in the park’s success but laments the loss of solidarity among residents.
In the Ückendorf district, the Kreativquartier Bochumer Strasse project has transformed a once-derelict area into a vibrant cultural hub. Dilapidated buildings have been converted into cafes, galleries, and event spaces, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and funding from the City Renovation Society and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Kirsten Lipka, a volunteer, notes that the area has become so attractive that students from Cologne and even former residents of Berlin are moving in.
A Long Road Ahead
While these efforts are promising, Gelsenkirchen’s challenges remain daunting. The city’s financial constraints limit its ability to invest in essential infrastructure, such as schools, which haven’t been built since the 1970s. Mayor Welge emphasizes the need for greater investment in fragile communities, but the state government’s strict spending rules make it difficult to enact meaningful change.
Urban researcher Frank Eckardt, a Gelsenkirchen native, believes that initiatives like the Kreativquartier are crucial for restoring hope and pride in the city. However, he acknowledges that Gelsenkirchen has yet to reach a point where residents feel compelled to stay because of its appeal.
A Test of Resilience
Gelsenkirchen’s story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. As the city grapples with economic decline and political polarization, its residents are determined to rebuild and resist the rise of the AfD. The success of projects like Nordsternpark and the Kreativquartier demonstrates the power of community action and the potential for renewal.
For Mayor Welge and others, the fight for Gelsenkirchen’s future is not just about economics or politics—it’s about preserving the city’s identity and ensuring that its residents have a reason to believe in a brighter tomorrow. As Reinhold Adam puts it, “We can’t always ask the city and the state to help; we have to take action ourselves.”
In a time of uncertainty, Gelsenkirchen’s efforts to counter the AfD and revive its fortunes serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. The road ahead is long, but the city’s determination offers a glimmer of hope for a better future.
