Jakob Springfeld: Why Saxony-Anhalt Became My 'Saxony Anchor'

In a personal essay published on the German newspaper Freitag, author Jakob Springfeld reflects on his move from Zwickau to Halle and later to Leipzig, and his complex relationship with Saxony-Anhalt. Six years ago, Springfeld left his hometown of Zwickau in Saxony for Halle in Saxony-Anhalt, and three years later moved to Leipzig, back to Saxony. He had never publicly discussed this return to Saxony, fearing it would fuel the right-wing scene that had targeted him in the past. However, with the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt, he visited friends and campaigners there and experienced hostility that continues to affect him. The essay explores his feelings about leaving friends behind in Saxony-Anhalt and their anxieties about potential political changes after the election. Springfeld's move is framed as a personal decision, but he now feels compelled to speak out, as many of his friends remain in the region and worry about their future. The essay touches on themes of political polarization, right-wing extremism, and the personal impact of regional politics.