The Alternative für Deutschland has drawn significant attention following its electoral success in Saxony-Anhalt, with German media reports detailing the problematic backgrounds of some of its 39 newly elected state parliamentarians. The disclosures include allegations ranging from criminal conduct to connections with extremist organizations and undisclosed historical affiliations.
Among the members-elect are individuals facing various allegations. One candidate acknowledged prior work as a pornography actor and was previously convicted of hotel theft; another was expelled from university after forging credentials. A 78-year-old MP admitted to former employment with the East German secret police’s ministry for state security, a revelation that has prompted criticism from groups representing victims of the communist dictatorship. Two other parliamentarians are under criminal investigation regarding their alleged involvement with Artgemeinschaft, a banned neopagan nationalist organization with antisemitic associations. One of these two faces additional weapons-related charges, though both deny the allegations.
Investigative reporting has also revealed connections between some incoming AfD legislators and far-right extremist networks. Several have been identified as former members of the since-banned Homeland-Loyal German Youth organization, with one having previously led the group. An adviser to the AfD’s parliamentary group authored material characterized as an “homage to national socialism.” Additionally, some prospective MPs have documented ties to pro-Kremlin positions and have visited members of the U.S. Maga movement.
When questioned about these backgrounds during a parliamentary group presentation, AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund dismissed concerns informally, referring to the two members under investigation as “the bad guys” and stating the party would await investigation results. Siegmund’s own remarks generated controversy after he linked weapons production in the state to the party’s planned deportation initiatives, prompting opposition leaders to characterize his statement as advocating violence as a political tool.
The AfD secured 44% of Saxony-Anhalt’s state parliament seats in recent polling, placing it three seats short of an absolute majority. Formation of a state government would represent the first far-right party to hold executive power in Germany since the second world war, contingent on securing additional legislative support given mainstream parties’ refusal to enter coalition arrangements with the AfD. Planned protests are scheduled across more than 20 German cities, with additional state elections scheduled for later in the month.
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