German politician slams AfD as 'scented candle seller' in election spat

CDU politician Philipp Amthor has launched a sharp attack on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during the state election campaign in Saxony-Anhalt. Amthor criticized the AfD's perceived overconfidence, stating, "The AfD believes the election is already in the bag." He accused the party of being unable to "barely walk from strength."

During a CDU summer reception in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Amthor specifically targeted the AfD's top candidate, Ulrich Siegmund. He derisively referred to Siegmund's online activities as "Li-La-Laune videos from that scented candle seller." Amthor also countered Siegmund's repeated claims of "taking the country back," firmly stating, "I clearly oppose this when the AfD says – our country. Then I say: Saxony-Anhalt belongs to no party. Rather, Saxony-Anhalt belongs to the citizens in this country."

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The AfD believes the election is already in the bag.

Siegmund, who previously sold home fragrances, is the leading candidate for the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party currently holds a significant lead in opinion polls. The state election is scheduled for September 6. Amthor emphasized the CDU's role in the region's development, adding, "This state of Saxony-Anhalt is a wonderful country and it has become so wonderful because the CDU made the right decisions in difficult times."

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I clearly oppose this when the AfD says - our country. Then I say: Saxony-Anhalt belongs to no party. Rather, Saxony-Anhalt belongs to the citizens in this country.