AfD Leaders Sing East German Anthem at Election Event

AfD party leaders Tino Chrupalla and Ulrich Siegmund caused a stir during a campaign stop in Dessau-Rosslau after joining a satirical performance of the defunct East German national anthem.

The Anthem Incident

During a discussion panel in Dessau-Rosslau, satirist Uwe Steimle performed “Auferstanden aus Ruinen,” the national anthem of the former German Democratic Republic. Despite initial attempts by party leader Tino Chrupalla to steer the event toward the German national anthem, both he and candidate Ulrich Siegmund eventually joined in the singing alongside the audience.

Steimle defended the performance, claiming the lyrics remained relevant to modern Germany. Following the controversy, Chrupalla and the satirist proceeded to sing the current German national anthem.

Political Backlash

The CDU has strongly criticized the event, with Chief of the Chancellery Thorsten Frei describing the incident as “extremely disturbing.” Frei emphasized that such displays, particularly when linked to political messaging, undermine efforts to foster unity between East and West Germany.

Pattern of Provocation

This event follows other controversial actions by the AfD, including hosting a party conference in Erfurt on the centenary of the NSDAP’s founding in Weimar. Additionally, prominent figures like Bjoern Hoecke have faced criticism for historical relativism and legal issues regarding the use of prohibited paramilitary slogans.

Election Outlook

The AfD is currently polling at 41 percent in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of September’s regional parliamentary elections. If these figures hold, the party could secure its strongest result in any state election, significantly outpacing the CDU and the Left party.