The Syrian refugee who became mayor of a small German town

In the state of Baden-Württemberg, in the southwest of Germanya Syrian refugee who arrived in the European country in 2015 fleeing the war, won the mayoral elections.

In the municipality of Ostelsheim, Ryyan Alsheblthat left his village of As Suwayda in Syria eight years ago, campaigned as an independent. Last Sunday he defeated the German candidates Mathias Fey and Marco Strauss by obtaining 55.41% of the vote.

the locals applauded the 29-year-old when he announced his victory, which he described as “sensational”, as reported by local German television SWR.

Look: Artemis II: why did it take more than 50 years for the return of missions to the Moon?

“Today, Ostelsheim is a example of open-mindedness and cosmopolitanism for the whole of Germanyhe declared, according to the German public channel ZDF. “That’s not something you can take for granted in a conservative, rural area.”.

After winning, Alshebl made his first call to his mother in Syriawho was very happy to hear the news, according to SWR.

Ryyan Alshebl, a Syrian refugee, in Ostelsheim, Germany. (Photo: Ryyan Alshebl/Facebook)

The first Syrian elected in Germany

According to the Baden-Württemberg Association of Municipalities, Alshebl is the first person of Syrian descent to run and be elected for a mayoral position. His term will start in June.

The inhabitants of Ostelsheim have welcomed their new mayor. “The fairy tale has come true and the right man has become our mayor”Annette Keck, a resident of the village, told SWR.

Strauss, one of his opponents, congratulated Alshebl. “I wish you good luck and at the same time I ask for support for Mr. Alshebl, for our shared Ostelsheim”he said on Facebook.

The Federal State Integration Minister, Manne Lucha, stated that Alshebl’s victory demonstrated that diversity is a natural part from Baden-Wurttemberg. “I would be very happy if the election of Ryyan Alshebl would encourage more people with an immigration background to run for political office”he declared.

But not everyone has been as warm to the 29-year-old. The ZDF reported that the syrian received hate comments during the campaign.

Source: Elcomercio