Overview

• The 49-year-old former Tagesschau presenter plans to relocate her small sustainable farm from Hamburg to Rügen by the end of July as part of her “island year.”
• Her decision has drawn criticism over Rügen’s 37.3 percent AfD vote share, triggering debates on the social and political climate of East German regions.
• In interviews, Rakers called suggestions to move to Mallorca an “Armutszeugnis für unsere Gesellschaft,” arguing that such advice reinforces mental barriers within Germany.
• She insisted her intra-German relocation merits the same treatment as moving to any other city—whether Munich, Münster or Hamm—rather than being stigmatized.
• While acknowledging the AfD’s local strength, Rakers noted that the majority of voters chose democratic parties and highlighted her long-standing affection for Rügen after first falling “schockverliebt” there in 2010.