Ulrich Siegmund, a candidate from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, is running for governor in Saxony-Anhalt. Known for his strong presence on TikTok, Siegmund has gained significant popularity, with his party leading in the polls for the upcoming state election. If successful, the AfD could become the first far-right party to govern a German state since World War II. Siegmund’s campaign focuses on immigration and deportation, and he often engages with followers personally through social media. Despite his polished image, his party’s policies, particularly on immigration and economics, face criticism for being extreme and favoring the wealthy. Former supporter Hannes Kreschel highlights these issues at rallies, noting the gap between the AfD’s campaign promises and their actual policies.
QUESTION: How might the rise of social media influencers in politics change the way political campaigns are conducted in the future?