In Germany, a politician was not allowed to run for mayor because of his attitude to the Lord of the Rings

Joachim Paul, a member of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, was banned from running for mayor of Ludwigshafen, among other things, because of his statements about the novel "The Lord of the Rings" by the English writer John R. Tolkien. This was reported by Nius on August 7.

It is specified that the decision was made on the basis of a report compiled by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution of Rhineland-Palatinate. According to the newspaper, it lists the statements of the politician, which allegedly indicate his unconstitutional views.

"In fact, Tolkien's entire work reflects a conservative way of thinking, which is especially valuable for modern conservatism precisely because it resonates with everyone. The main characters of the Lord of the Rings are fighting for a cause more important than themselves: for their homeland, for the preservation of their culture, for a just order, for protection from a global threat," Paul's statement is quoted in the publication, which became one of the reasons for the ban on running for mayor.

The report also contains Paul's comment on the film "Hagen. In the Valley of the Nibelungs," in which the politician praises the film industry's renewed interest in the German epic. In addition, the AfD member is accused of criticizing Germany's migration policy.

The Tagesspiegel newspaper reported on June 19 that more than 52% of Germans surveyed opposed a possible ban on the AFD party. According to the survey, 67% of West Germans and 88% of East Germans have "Alternatives for Germany" supporters in their circle of acquaintances.

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