AfD’s new state MPs include ex-Stasi officer, former porn actor, neopagans and neo-Nazis
The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is facing intense scrutiny following its historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt, with several newly elected MPs revealed to have controversial backgrounds. These include a former East German Stasi officer, a former pornography actor with a criminal record, and individuals under investigation for neo-Nazi and neopagan ties. Party leader Ulrich Siegmund dismissed the concerns by jokingly referring to the investigated members as 'the bad guys' while awaiting official investigation results.
- ▪The AfD won a historic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections, leading to fresh scrutiny of its 39 newly elected parliamentarians.
- ▪Among the new MPs is a 78-year-old former Stasi officer who admitted to working for the East German secret police against citizens seeking emigration.
- ▪Two MPs are under criminal investigation for allegedly continuing the activities of the banned neopagan group Artgemeinschaft, while another former porn actor has a conviction for theft and falsified academic credentials.
- ▪Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's parliamentary group leader, responded to the controversy by jokingly labeling the investigated members as 'the bad guys' and stating they would wait for investigation outcomes.
- ▪ZDF investigations revealed that some AfD ministers-elect had ties to right-wing extremist groups, including the outlawed Homeland-Loyal German Youth (HDJ).
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| Publication time | Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:43:01 GMT |
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The AfD’s parliamentary group leader in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, referred to the MPs under criminal investigation as ‘the bad guys’. Photograph: Karina Hessland/ReutersView image in fullscreenThe AfD’s parliamentary group leader in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, referred to the MPs under criminal investigation as ‘the bad guys’. Photograph: Karina Hessland/ReutersAlternative für Deutschland (AfD)AfD’s new state MPs include ex-Stasi officer, former porn actor, neopagans and neo-NazisFar-right German party’s newly elected representatives face fresh scrutiny as it tries to form government in Saxony-Anhalt Why is the AfD’s state victory significant and what might happen next?Kate Connolly in BerlinFri 11 Sep 2026 11.43 EDTLast modified on Fri 11 Sep 2026 11.44 EDTSharePrefer the…
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