AfD's Saxony-Anhalt lawmakers include convicted criminals and far-right figures

The AfD's election success in Saxony-Anhalt will significantly reshape the state parliament, with the party winning 39 of 83 seats and 38 of 41 direct constituencies, though it remains three seats short of an absolute majority. Leading candidate Ulrich Siegmund needs coalition partners to become minister-president, and the party has invited all parliamentary groups to exploratory talks. However, several new AfD lawmakers have controversial backgrounds, including criminal convictions, Stasi ties, and connections to far-right networks. In contrast, none of the 15 CDU parliamentarians are known to have criminal records or full-time Stasi involvement, highlighting the stark differences in the candidates' histories.