Ulrich Siegmund is set to become the leading candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt, a move that will transform him from one of the German parliament’s longest-serving members into a front-runner for a party that once rejected him.
The shift has caused shockwaves within his former party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), with which Siegmund served for nearly two decades. Despite the internal turmoil his departure has caused, Siegmund expressed confidence in his new position, remarking that his previous political career had been cut short by the CDU just as he was becoming effective.
Siegmund, who held his seat in the Bundestag since 2005, announced the end of his CDU membership last month, stating that the party no longer aligned with his views. He subsequently joined the AfD, a move that triggered disciplinary proceedings against 23 of his fellow CDU and CSU colleagues who supported him.
His transition to the AfD marks a significant turning point. Although initially shunned by the right-wing party due to his controversial remarks about German history, Siegmund has found himself increasingly prominent within the faction. Ahead of Sunday’s state election, he has solidified his role, reportedly earning the support of key figures including Björn Höcke and AfD leader Alice Weidel.
Interesting that he claims his career was cut short. I wonder if the CDU realized too late what they were losing, or what they were keeping?
Support from both Höcke and Weidel is a dangerous combination. This suggests the AfD is fully consolidating around its most controversial figures.
Did anyone actually see this coming? He seemed so entrenched in the CDU for twenty years. This feels like a total shock to the system.
Disciplinary proceedings against 23 colleagues? That is a massive split in the CDU. The party looks incredibly fractured right now.
I can’t believe he actually made it to lead candidate. The speed of his rise within the AfD is truly staggering and unsettling.