Ryyan Alshebl, 29, gained unexpected notoriety after his success in the municipal elections in Ostelsheim. By winning the election with 55% of the vote, he becomes the first Syrian to have been granted asylum and to win a mayoral post in the country.
The trust placed in him by voters is "a sign of tolerance and openness to the world for the whole of Germany," he said as he hailed his victory. He will take office in June to implement his policy with priorities such as early childhood, public transport and environmental protection.