Political situation in Germany

Has been called “Germany’s most dangerous man” – could win state elections

The German party Alternative for Germany (AFD) looks set to gain its own majority in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, several German media outlets report. The win would be historic in such a case, as a far-right party has not governed a state since the Federal Republic of Germany was founded in 1949.

Behind the success is 35-year-old local politician Ulrich Siegmund (AFD), who has been called “Germany’s most dangerous man” in Der Spiegel. Siegmund is running on the idea of ​​introducing even stricter immigration laws, scrapping public services and “toning down” the crimes of Nazism in school education.

Germany is one of the countries that has supported Ukraine the most during the war. Siegmund is completely against that line, he tells SvD.

– Germany has nothing to gain by backing Ukraine. On the contrary, it risks dragging us into war, he says.

The polling stations in Saxony-Anhalt open today and according to opinion polls, the AFD could receive over 40 percent support.

Analysis: Putin could be the one who would be most happy about an AFD win

Both fear and hope are spreading ahead of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) looks set to win its own majority. The win would be a symbolic battle for Germany's political future, says SVT's Europe correspondent Tomas Thorén.

- It could create friction in the machinery and endanger Germany's position in Europe, he continues.

The German security service classifies the AfD as extremist. Despite this, the party has achieved great success in recent years and support is growing throughout the country. The party's success is believed to lie in its ability to capture voters who have long felt overlooked by the political establishment.

"The democratic parties have failed to resolve fundamental issues for the voters," writes DN's Anna-Lena Laurén.

The AFD is going to the elections on tougher immigration laws, reduced support for Ukraine and that German schools should "talk less about Hitler and more about Bismarck".

Vladimir Putin is one of those who may be most pleased with an AFD victory, writes Jona Källgren for TV4 Nyheterna.

"The first forecasts will come at 6 p.m. Germany – and all of Europe – are waiting nervously."