Read the video transcript here
Two years ago, the 27-year-old Wardecki moved to Boltenhagen, founded a green local association and was promptly elected mayor - after ten years of the CDU.
Raphael Wardecki:
"Good day.
You want to scold me. "
Citizen: “Yes, yes, right! It bothers me that the transitions, that nobody can go up there with a stroller, that there is no ramp. People always have to carry everything up. You can stumble and then lie on your nose. "
Raphael Wardecki: "Is also justified."
What you have to listen to.
Raphael Wardecki already knows that.
As mayor of Boltenhagen, he not only has to satisfy the 2500 inhabitants of the Baltic Sea resort, but also the up to 30,000 people who come here every day in summer.
Raphael Wardecki "If you come next year, come back, which I very much hope .."
Citizen couple: "We have already booked again."
Raphael Wardecki: "Very well, then they will be able to march through in one."
Citizen couple »Then I'm curious. That's great. Ciao. Very well."
The Baltic seaside resort Boltenhagen.
It's been two years since Wardecki moved here from Detmold in North Rhine-Westphalia.
From the beginning he was politically active, founded the local association of the Greens, stood up for mayoral election - and surprisingly wins in a community where the CDU has been the incumbent for ten years.
Even if it looks idyllic here, politically the pavement is rough.
Wardecki's car tires were stabbed after the election.
Raphael Wardecki »A car tire twice and the spokes cut once, which of course you only notice while driving, when it starts to get wobbly.
That was a turning point.
But didn't come back either.
I once said at the meeting that tire punctures have to be hugged.
And then he or she was probably afraid of. "
Not an easy start for the then 28-year-old.
But his local green association is growing from five to 24 members at the beginning.
Wardecki is of course fighting the current election campaign in proper style with his green cargo bike.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania there are two elections on September 26th: Bundestag and Landtag elections.
While at the federal level the Greens dream of being chancellor, in the country they hope to be represented in parliament again at all.
According to the latest surveys, they are around seven percent.
In 2016, the Greens failed because of the five percent hurdle.
Just like the colleagues from the FDP.
Raphael Wardecki »I'll go and say hello for a moment. Good day. Raphael Wardecki Mayor. "
And immediately in Boltenhagen, too, big federal politics are on the agenda.
FDP man: »We are currently, I think, in great demand when it comes to governance. I think it depends on where we go. The problem is that I think we are not in favor of tax increases and that is different with the Greens. And we don't want to ask people more than is already being asked of people. "
Raphael Wardecki: »The FDP also says they want to strengthen the middle class. Let me put it this way, decent families and everyone who wants to make a living from their work, they are not that badly settled under the green tax program. The bottom line is that you can see that we at least have a basis for coalition negotiations. «
In Boltenhagen, both parties see themselves as ripe for the government.
Back at their own election stand, however, it quickly becomes clear what Wardecki and the Greens are still struggling with.
Reporter: "You know the mayor, you say?"
Citizen: “But of the finest quality. And his partner too. "
Reporter: "What is your opinion of the mayor?"
Citizen: "No, for now I'm holding back."
Reporter: "Don't be afraid to say it!"
Citizen: "I have to test it further."
Reporter: “What do you have to, you still have to test it? He's been here two years. Isn't that enough? "
Citizen: "No, not enough, it should be a little more."
Reporter: "And what is your impression?"
Citizen: “Very good. Positive, initially positive. "
Reporter: "Then why are you still so skeptical?"
Citizen: »Yes, you can't always be 100 percent. You have to wait and see. "
In order
to be able to reach such doubters, he gives a citizens' consultation hour once a week.
It used to be only once a month.
Not the only thing he's changed.
Linn Karstadt »A great example is the prestige and construction of this promenade. Everyone may have understood that it was good for the place, but they were very skeptical about the huge costs that would come up. And what Mr. Wardecki did wonderfully to take away our fear of this new thing. And maybe also because he comes from outside, because he is young, because he wants to bring something new. And it was definitely worth it for us. "
Next appointment for the full-time undertaker: coffee table with the seniors of the community, the most important group of voters here, because half of Boltenhagen residents are over 60 years old.
Wardecki scores with his work and his direct manner. And for some, this has already changed their view of the Greens.
Citizen: “I have never voted green before. Maybe it can change. One does not know."