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Chemnitz (dpa / sn) - The designated Mayor of Chemnitz, Sven Schulze (SPD), wants to set a clear demarcation to right-wing extremists in local politics in the coming years.

Schulze told the German Press Agency that he would work with all political forces who share values ​​such as tolerance, respect for human dignity and commitment to the Basic Law.

With Pro Chemnitz and the AfD, both of whom are represented on the city council, he will not “actively work together” beyond their rights of participation, the 49-year-old assured.

Schulze was elected the new Lord Mayor in October, but cannot be sworn in because proceedings to challenge the election have not yet been finally concluded.

That is why he will initially stand for election as administrative administrator in the city council on Wednesday afternoon.

In his function he would have largely the same powers as a lord mayor;

the term of office is up to two years.

Saxony's third largest city with around 245,000 inhabitants hit the international headlines in 2018 when there were racially motivated attacks there after a fatal knife attack on a German.

Schulze admitted that these incidents continued to have an impact and influenced the city's reputation.

"We deal with these events openly," he emphasized, referring to the plans to become the European Capital of Culture 2025. He also wanted to be an "approachable Lord Mayor", better absorb moods in the population in the future and involve citizens earlier and more strongly in decisions.

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With a view to Chemnitz as the cultural capital, he hoped for a lot of impulses beyond culture, explained Schulze.

The whole thing is an urban development project that Chemnitz could advance in a variety of ways - also in rail traffic, where the city has so far lacked a direct connection to long-distance traffic.

Schulze: "I am assuming that we will have better long-distance transport connections in 2025."

It is realistic that the IC connection between Berlin and Dresden will be extended to Chemnitz.

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