Sahra Wagenknecht, founder of the BSW party, has defended AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund against comparisons to Hitler, while expressing sharp criticism of Germany’s current political landscape.

Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the recently founded BSW party, has pushed back against harsh comparisons of the AfD’s lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, to Adolf Hitler. While stating that she is “no fan of Siegmund,” Wagenknecht emphasized that such characterizations are excessive, asserting, “A new Hitler he is not.” Her comments come amid growing debate over the AfD, which has faced scrutiny for alleged ties to extremist groups and positions flagged as constitutionally questionable.

Calling the AfD a “legal party,” Wagenknecht noted its electoral popularity and highlighted overlaps in policy positions between the AfD and the center-right CDU, the origin of many of its top figures. With the Saxony-Anhalt elections looming, Wagenknecht argued that the outcome could have significant implications not only locally but nationwide, particularly on the future of CDU leader Friedrich Merz as German Chancellor. She did not mince words when critiquing Merz’s leadership, describing his policies as harmful to Germany and suggesting that the collapse of his administration would be beneficial.

Turning her attention to broader political issues, Wagenknecht voiced concerns over perceived restrictions on free speech and alleged intimidation tactics against government critics. Drawing parallels to practices in the former East Germany, she criticized the growing interference she claims is targeting dissenting voices. Despite her critique of the AfD, Wagenknecht warned that the party’s rise under its leadership in Saxony-Anhalt, where it has been classified as securely far-right, might not lead to an end to authoritarian tendencies but merely shift their focus.