Ulrich Siegmund has become one of the most exposed figures of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), after the far-right party won the elections in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, marking its strongest result in the history of regional elections in Germany.
The 35-year-old, who led the AfD campaign in the eastern state, had for months been building a more moderate and approachable image than some of the party's other prominent figures. Reuters has described him as the AfD's "smiling face," while his communications strategy has relied on a more positive and less confrontational style.
While studying Business Psychology about a decade ago, Siegmund learned about how creating a positive atmosphere can influence consumer behavior. After his studies, he founded a company that sold scent distribution systems, with the aim of improving the atmosphere and mood in various environments.
In politics, he seems to have taken a similar approach. Dressed in smart suits, with a neat beard and a modern style, Siegmund has run a campaign focused on direct communication with voters, meetings in towns and villages and a strong presence on social media.
The results of September 6th gave him a historic victory. The AfD received around 44% of the vote, more than double its result in the 2021 election, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU suffered a sharp decline. However, the AfD did not achieve an absolute majority in the regional parliament and therefore cannot govern alone.
Siegmund had stated during the campaign that his goal was a radical political change and that a victory in Saxony-Anhalt would be only the first step towards the ambition of bringing the AfD to power at the national level.
The party's platform includes tough measures on immigration, changes to asylum policies, opposition to German support for Ukraine and a call for closer relations with Russia. The AfD also proposes profound changes in education, culture, public administration and social policies.
Siegmund has criticized asylum policies and green energy, while opposing Germany's support for Ukraine. He has consistently rejected the AfD's definition as a far-right party and claims it represents an alternative to the political establishment.
However, German security authorities have classified the AfD branch in Saxony-Anhalt as confirmed right-wing extremist. For this reason, Germany's main parties have ruled out cooperation with the AfD, a policy known as the "firewall".
This presents Siegmund with a new challenge. The AfD is already the largest force in Saxony-Anhalt's parliament, but without coalition partners it cannot form a stable government. Other parties have repeatedly said they will not cooperate with it, leaving open a difficult period of political negotiations.
Siegmund himself has warned that if a government cannot be formed, new elections could be called. In a statement after the result, he said that the AfD has received a clear mandate for change and that it will not back down from its political objectives.
The victory in Saxony-Anhalt is considered a significant moment for German politics and a strong signal for the upcoming elections. For Siegmund, the first challenge is now whether he can turn the electoral victory into real power; while for the AfD, the result marks an important step in its attempt to break political isolation in Germany.
