German minister warns of Russian influence if AfD governs Saxony-Anhalt

Bavarian Minister-President Cem Özdemir has issued a stark warning about the potential for increased Russian influence in Germany should the far-right AfD party gain governing power in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.

"I want Saxony-Anhalt to remain Saxony-Anhalt and Magdeburg not to become a suburb of Moscow," Özdemir stated in an interview with "Der Tagesspiegel." He stressed that "those who love Germany do not make it dependent on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or any other authoritarian ruler."

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I want Saxony-Anhalt to remain Saxony-Anhalt and Magdeburg not to become a suburb of Moscow.

The election on September 6th carries significant weight, according to Özdemir. He believes that if the AfD were to install a Minister-President in Magdeburg, it would represent a "turning point" for the entire country. Özdemir considers it his duty to actively campaign against this outcome.

To support his party's local colleagues, Özdemir plans several campaign appearances in Saxony-Anhalt in the coming days, including stops in Wernigerode and Halle. Current polls indicate the AfD holds a significant lead over the CDU in the state. The possibility of the AfD securing an absolute majority in parliament increases if the SPD, Greens, or the BSW party fail to enter the state legislature.

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Those who love Germany do not make it dependent on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or any other authoritarian ruler.