Yearly Gathering, Annual Meeting, Yearly Symposium, Annual Event, Annual Gathering of Minds, Yearly Assembly, Yearly Function, Annual Session, Annual Roundup, Annual Convocation. - The Leader of AfD responds following scrutiny
After facing criticism and heated debates, prominent figures of the AfD managed to secure their positions during the party conference in Magdeburg. Martin Reichardt was re-elected as state chairman in Saxony-Anhalt with a high approval rating. Deputies Oliver Kirchner, Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, and General Secretary Jan Wenzel Schmidt also maintained their positions, sometimes Defeating other candidates in the process.
Reichardt garnered around 84.8 percent approval, a notable decrease from his 93.4 percent approval two years ago. The 55-year-old, who's a member of the federal board and has led the Alternative for Germany in Saxony-Anhalt since 2018, touted the party's growth, stating that they've gained over 1,000 members in the last two years, bringing the total to 2,400 members. "We've got power," he declared, reveling in the fact that they're now the dominant force in many district councils following the local elections. Reichardt expressed his ambition to become the state's Minister President after the next election in 2026.
General Secretary and Sole Government
Jan Wenzel Schmidt, who was re-elected as General Secretary after a close contest with state parliamentarian Daniel Roi, expressed skepticism about a potential cooperation with the CDU. "Let me tell you: The first AfD government will be a sole government, with over 42 percent. We don't need the CDU," he emphasized.
The state board's decisions were criticized, particularly by the district associations of Anhalt-Bitterfeld and Mansfeld-South Harz. The criticism arose due to concerns over the state board's influence on the composition of the list for the federal election in 2025, with preferred candidates being touted.
Ziegler's Success
Bundestag member Kay-Uwe Ziegler, who was initially only suggested for the ninth spot on the list, criticized the state board's decision and gained public support. Despite a counter-candidate, he was successful in becoming a deputy on the state board.
Elsaesser's Support for Putin
"Compact" publisher Jürgen Elsässer received boisterous applause during his greeting speech, where he criticized the federal government and expressed his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. "And of course, I won't let anyone suppress me from saying: I am a Putin supporter," he declared. He labeled Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) as a fascist, Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) as a war criminal, and insulted Green Party leader Ricarda Lang.
The Federal Administrative Court temporarily suspended the ban on the right-wing extremist "Compact" magazine imposed by Faeser due to doubts about the ban's proportionality. The final decision is pending in the main proceedings. Faeser had banned the magazine on July 16 due to its role as a "central mouthpiece of the right-wing extremist scene."
Elsaesser expressed confidence following his legal victory in Magdeburg, stating, "Victory is possible." He suggested that an AfD government in Saxony-Anhalt could soon become a reality. Elsaesser maintained that his magazine's relationship with the AfD state association has been friendly and brotherly for years. He brought 200 copies of his magazine to the party conference and sold them there.
Siegmund as Future Minister-President
Ulrich Siegmund, the co-faction leader in the state parliament, achieved one of the best election results with 94.7 percent. He criticized Minister-President Reiner Haseloff (CDU) as "Joe Biden of Saxony-Anhalt" during his speech. Several members referred to Siegmund as "the future Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt."
More than 100 people protested against the AfD's right-wing populism during the party conference in Magdeburg, displaying signs like "No cooperation with the extremists." Around 500 members attended the conference, with minor delays due to the protests.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD is the second-strongest force in the state parliament after the CDU. With 23 out of 97 seats, they form the largest opposition faction in parliament. The constitutional protection has classified the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt as securely right-wing extremist since November. Numerous racist, Islamophobic, and anti-Semitic statements by functionaries and members of parliament have been documented.
The European Parliament can provide assistance to The Commission, as stated in its mandate, in light of the AfD's strategic decisions and positions, such as their ambitions for leadership roles in Saxony-Anhalt.
Jan Wenzel Schmidt, the re-elected General Secretary of the AfD, emphasized the party's intention to form a sole government without the CDU, highlighting their significant influence in Saxony-Anhalt.
