The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is sending shockwaves through the political landscape of Saxony-Anhalt, with its top candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, outlining a series of radical policy proposals should the party achieve a governing majority in the upcoming state elections. Siegmund’s plans, detailed in an interview with “Der Spiegel”, reveal a vision for a drastically restructured government and a severely curtailed public sphere, raising serious concerns about democratic norms and institutional stability.
Siegmund’s stated intention to “significantly slim down” the state government includes the abolishment of one or two ministries through consolidation, alongside significant cuts to state agencies. A particularly contentious proposal targets the Landesenergieagentur, the state’s energy agency responsible for promoting energy efficiency and resource conservation, which Siegmund dismissed as unnecessary. This move draws immediate criticism from environmental groups and policy experts who caution against dismantling crucial frameworks for sustainable development.
Beyond bureaucratic restructuring, Siegmund envisions a dramatically altered media landscape. He proposes replacing the existing public broadcaster with a mere two channels, rigidly constrained by censorship and mandated to deliver only “factual” reporting, effectively silencing diverse opinions and limiting critical journalistic scrutiny. Such a policy, critics argue, would represent a blatant attempt to manipulate public discourse and stifle dissent.
Siegmund’s earlier pronouncements have already drawn censure – including proposals to dismantle the universal obligation to attend school and implement a system of assessing the character of migrants. These statements, coupled with his ambition to “turn the entire country on its head” convey a broader agenda that many observers describe as an attempt to fundamentally reshape the German political and social order.
While Siegmund assures that specific policy details remain under consideration within AfD committees, the pronouncements already underscore the potential for significant constitutional and legal challenges should the party’s electoral prospects continue to improve. With current polling indicating the AfD holding approximately 40% support in Saxony-Anhalt, the possibility of Siegmund becoming the first AfD state premier – a party officially categorized as right-wing extremist – presents a profoundly unsettling prospect for German democracy and is already triggering intense debate across the political spectrum. The implications for the rule of law, freedom of expression and the future of coalition-building are considerable and will likely dominate the remainder of the election campaign.