Weidel officially launches AfD election campaign in Saxony-Anhalt

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is set to officially commence its campaign for the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt with a major rally on Saturday in Magdeburg. Party co-leader Alice Weidel is scheduled to address supporters at the event, which will take place at a hall within the Magdeburg trade fair grounds starting at 4:00 PM.

This campaign launch comes as recent polls indicate strong support for the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, with the party reportedly polling above 40 percent. The AfD's stated objective is to secure an absolute majority of seats in the state parliament and form the next state government. Their platform calls for significant policy shifts in areas such as migration, education, and media.

Meanwhile, opposition groups have announced protests against the AfD's campaign launch, with demonstrations planned to begin earlier in the afternoon at 1:30 PM. The current state government is a coalition led by the CDU, with the party's politician Sven Schulze serving as Minister-President. The CDU has seen its support decline in recent polls, standing at approximately 23 percent.

The AfD's campaign activities in Saxony-Anhalt have already generated controversy. A recent event featuring comedian Uwe Steimle singing the former East German anthem, with AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla joining in, has drawn criticism. Steimle is reportedly facing a prosecutor's investigation for remarks made about prominent CDU politicians Friedrich Merz and Angela Merkel.