Spiegel Cover on AfD Candidate Ulrich Siegmund: Overstated Threat?

The German news magazine Der Spiegel has sparked controversy with its latest cover featuring Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's top candidate for the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, under the headline "The Most Dangerous Man in Germany." The cover, which employs a wanted-poster aesthetic, has divided opinion: some view Siegmund as a threat, while others see him as a savior. However, an analysis in the newspaper der Freitag argues that Siegmund is not the primary reason for the AfD's strength in Saxony-Anhalt. The Spiegel's accompanying article delves into Siegmund's inner circle, revealing individuals with long careers in the völkisch and neo-Nazi scenes. The piece also notes a potential novelty in the history of the Federal Republic, though the details are cut off. The debate highlights the polarizing nature of the AfD and its leadership in the lead-up to the state election.