Young, charismatic, far-right: Meet Ulrich Siegmund, the man behind AfD’s Germany win and what it means

Ulrich Siegmund, a 35-year-old politician, has captured the attention of Germans by leading the far-right Alternative for Germany party to unprecedented success in regional elections. The Alternative for Germany, or AfD, campaign slogan of "everything is possible" resonated with voters as they saw Siegmund's image on posters and T-shirts.

Although the party's positions are often radical, Siegmund has maintained a friendly demeanor and downplayed extreme statements. Born in 1990, Siegmund studied business management and previously worked in sales before joining the center-right Christian Democratic Union. He has been a lawmaker in Magdeburg for 10 years and serves as co-leader of AfD's parliamentary group.

Siegmund's campaign tapped into nostalgia for the past, promising a return to "the old, safe Germany." Critics point out his past association with extremist groups, but Siegmund insists that his presence on committees doesn't endorse such views. Despite facing scrutiny, Siegmund maintains that voters will benefit from an AfD-led government.