Erik von Malottki against fines: Election posters get stuck!

Erik von Malottki against fines: Election posters get stuck!

The wind blows coolly over the streets in Vorpommern-Greifswald as the excitement surrounding the election posters of SPD politician Erik von Malottki blows away. What happened after the district election on May 11, 2023? Even 57 days after the urn-opening moments, posters are still visible from far away - in Rossow, the Stettiner Chaussee in Penkun, the Oststadt in Pasewalk and Dargitz. Torsten Glusa from Dargitz is dissatisfied with the sight and is surprised at the omissions, while the CDU and AfD have already set a good example and removed their posters in a timely manner. Northern Courier reports about damaged posters in Pasewalk that unknown perpetrators tore from a pole. Before the election, Erik von Malottki started with a total of 1,000 advertising materials, most of which were hung by volunteers. Now he explains that 95 percent have been removed, but some have simply been overlooked.

Erik von Malottki is now in the firing line of the Löcknitz-Penkun office. The office saw itself challenged and sent two letters threatening fines of over 300 euros to the SPD regional office, as all posters should have been taken down 14 days after the election - which for von Malottki meant May 25th. This delay of over four weeks is an atypical phenomenon for those responsible. Inken Arndt from the AfD also received a similar message, but she was unable to give in to the pressure and has already removed her posters.

Election advertising is changing

What is the actual power of election posters? A look at the upcoming National Council elections in September 2024 shows that political slogans and appeals are playing an increasingly important role in public space. According to the analysis word and manner Different parties use very different strategies to convey their messages. While the ÖVP primarily relies on clarity and security to address basic needs, the SPÖ communicates with human closeness - even if without concrete implementation strategies. Slogans such as “With heart + brain” aim to address voters’ personal concerns.

This development is in stark contrast to the current problems affecting the SPD in Schashagen and the surrounding area, such as the constant shrinking of the population, which endangers the infrastructure. A recurring theme for the party is the need to increase the region's attractiveness, including projects such as the village development concept, which has been on the table since 2021. The SPD is trying to further develop settlement concepts in order to design more residential building areas and promote the creation of jobs. Planned leisure activities and support in the kindergarten sector show that the party is concerned with the common good. These socially just solutions are at the top of the SPD's agenda, and budget policy with solid spending discipline also goes unmentioned.

Challenges in tourism

But the challenges don't stop there: Tourism, despite its importance as an economic engine, is suffering from the transformation of apartments into holiday apartments. A first step was taken with the change to the B-Plan Stockrehm in Bliesdorf in order to limit holiday rentals and thus counteract shrinkage. At the same time, the SPD is committed to high-quality tourism and improving local leisure opportunities, which should increase the quality of life of the residents.

This shows that election posters and their processing are more than just an aesthetic nuisance in the landscape. They reflect political concerns and the pulse of the population. While some miss the commitment to a clean image in the community, others are trying to fight for a sustainable and healthy future. Whether this will work with or without posters will become clear in the coming months.