Ulrich Siegmund seeks to become minister-president of Saxony-Anhalt in December — The Local Germany
In Germany, Ulrich Siegmund, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt, said he aims to take office as the state’s minister-president in December. Following AfD’s victory in the state election on September 6, the party received 43.8% of the vote and won 39 seats, falling three seats short of an absolute majority.
As The Local Germany reports, Siegmund told Welt television that the party would stick to the December timetable following internal consultations and talks with other members of the state parliament. The vote for head of government will be secret and may involve up to three rounds.
Cooperation talks
Most German parties refuse to form coalitions with the AfD. At the same time, the left-wing pro-Russian BSW party, which has five members in the state parliament, agreed to discuss possible formats of cooperation with the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt. The sides are holding preliminary talks on policies that could be implemented by an AfD-led minority government.
The Social Democratic Party, the Greens, the Left and BSW have also discussed alternative options, including nominating a non-party-affiliated minister-president. The Christian Democratic Union said it sees itself in opposition. One of the first tests of potential interaction between the AfD and BSW could be the election of the president of the state parliament, in which AfD politician Tobias Rausch is expected to run. BSW had previously signaled that it was ready to support him for the post.
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Merz’s statement on talks with Russia
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Russia’s response — Russia being the aggressor state — to a conversation between the foreign ministers of the two countries indicates Moscow’s unwillingness to engage in substantive negotiations on ending the war against Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
According to German diplomats, Wadephul called on Russia to abandon its dangerous course of escalation toward Germany, Europe and NATO, and also stressed Berlin’s determination to support Ukraine. Lavrov later accused Europe of obstructing a settlement and declared his intention to achieve the objectives of the so-called “special military operation.”
Other news from Germany
Amazon plans to hire 13,000 seasonal workers in Germany for the final three months of the year. The company said it aims to ensure fast and reliable delivery of Christmas orders. According to Amazon, the minimum hourly wage for seasonal workers will be €16.22.
Berlin is also considering the possibility of a large-scale reconstruction of the Berlin Philharmonie concert hall. According to a study, upgrading fire safety systems, climate-control equipment, cables and plumbing could cost around €800 million. The work could last from 2032 to 2040, and including a temporary venue for the orchestra, the total cost of the project could reach €1.15 billion.
