Ulrich Siegmund, the top candidate for the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, stated that if his party wins the state election, he intends to form his government using personnel predominantly drawn from the local state association. Speaking to Spiegel, Siegmund indicated that the cabinet is already substantially decided, believing he has assembled the majority of the team-approximately 95 percent. However, he declined to name the potential ministers at this time, suggesting that doing so would be a form of media distraction.
Siegmund announced that most of the staff for his potential administration will come from within the local AfD branch, noting, “There will be people I have known for a long time.” He justified this selection process by referencing the anticipated political pressure, stating that because they will be facing attacks, they must rely on people they can trust.
The AfD is running as the main party in the state election scheduled for September 6th. Current polls place the party at around 40 percent, placing it significantly ahead of the CDU. Saxony-Anhalt is the first of three states to hold elections in September; the others are scheduled for September 20th, including Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
