Ulrich Siegmund, a 35-year-old candidate from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), is leading his party into a potential historic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election scheduled for September 6. Polls show the AfD approaching an outright majority in the eastern German state, which would mark the first time since World War II that a far-right party controls a German federal state. This surge reflects broader trends, with the AfD also leading in polls for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s election on September 20, and nationally polling just under a third of voters.

Siegmund, described by some media outlets as “the most dangerous man in Germany,” has cultivated a devoted following with a platform advocating for strict immigration policies, state funding limited to patriotic organizations, prison sentences for defaming German history or culture, relaxed gun laws, and restrictions on LGBTQ symbols. At campaign rallies, supporters wear clothing bearing Siegmund’s image or the party’s aquamarine colors, with some describing him as a charismatic figure capable of mobilizing disenfranchised voters in eastern Germany.

The AfD’s appeal appears driven by a combination of economic concerns, skepticism about climate policies, and nostalgia for the former East Germany. Some supporters express frustration with political elites and a perceived neglect of smaller towns, while others voice opposition to Germany’s support for Ukraine and link their views to a broader cultural conservative agenda.

However, the party’s rise has sparked significant alarm and organized resistance. Activists such as Ingrid Pfennig, a member of Omas gegen Rechts (“Grannies against the Far Right”), actively campaign against the AfD. Pfennig and her supporters criticize the party’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, its glorification of parts of the GDR past, and what they see as manipulative tactics by figures like Siegmund. The group has taken to community outreach, including conversations over coffee, to challenge the AfD’s narratives and encourage tactical voting for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) as a bulwark against far-right governance.

The AfD’s increasing influence has also exposed fractures in families and communities, with some relatives sharply divided over voting intentions. Legal experts have supported government reviews into whether the AfD violates Germany’s constitution by opposing democratic principles and disrespecting human dignity, notably towards immigrants. Despite this, the ruling CDU under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been criticized by opponents for failing to fully isolate the AfD, as some CDU officials have shown signs of willingness to cooperate or soften their stance against the party.

Should the AfD secure a majority in Saxony-Anhalt, the party would gain control over key local institutions including the police, justice system, and education policy. Its platform includes measures such as removing disabled children from mainstream schools and restructuring state media, actions that have drawn widespread concern. In response, immigrant-owned businesses in Magdeburg recently staged a "Migra-Strike," temporarily closing to protest the AfD’s policies and the potential threat to democratic values.

While mainstream parties and activists seek to prevent AfD governance, supporters argue the party voices legitimate concerns long ignored by existing political forces. Whether the election results in outright AfD control or a sustained opposition role, analysts suggest the party has already reshaped Germany’s political landscape, especially in its eastern regions. The coming weeks will be a critical test of the country’s democratic resilience amid this far-right surge.