Mayor of declining German town wants migrants to fill gaps

HETTSTEDT, Germany (AP) — Nestled in the foothills of Germany's Harz mountains, Hettstedt has many points of pride: idyllic surroundings, a history dating back nearly 1,000 years and a traditional copper industry that brought ages of prosperity and prestige.

Hettstedt has been hemorrhaging residents since communism collapsed in East Germany 26 years ago, stoking economic competition and giving young people newfound freedom to travel in search of adventure and opportunity.

In March, a fledgling nationalist party called Alternative for Germany received more than 30 percent of votes in the region, reflecting hostility to Chancellor Angela Merkel's refugee policy that permitted almost 1.1 million asylum-seekers to arrive last year.

Kavalier, mayor since 2011, says the departure of thousands of young Hettstedters in the early 1990s caused lasting damage to the birth rate and workforce in a town where the average age today is approaching 50.

Local employers already complain they can't recruit enough apprentices, and bigger labor supply problems loom with much of the workforce poised for retirement within the coming decade.

"First of all I want to learn perfect German," he said shyly, displaying a passable command of the language already.

Anti-immigrant feeling in Hettstedt has swelled on social media, with some locals complaining of the costs of providing housing and food aid.

Kavalier listed amenities at risk of closure if Hettstedt cannot maintain its tax intake and young population: the library, swimming pool, museum and three out of four primary schools.

The greatest sense of appreciation may well be generated on Hettstedt's soccer field, where the town team has just completed an undefeated season and won promotion to a higher league thanks to a squad that includes three Syrians.