AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund is pleased about election aid from "Spiegel"

Ulrich Siegmund, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), has expressed gratitude toward Der Spiegel, the German news magazine, after the publication named him “the most dangerous man in Germany” on its cover. The issue, released just days before the Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6, sparked widespread controversy, with critics accusing the magazine of providing political support to the AfD during its campaign. The cover features Siegmund’s portrait against a black backdrop, reminiscent of a wanted poster. Below the image, the headline reads, “Der gefährlichste Mann Deutschlands.” This choice has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from left-wing politicians and media outlets, who argue that the publication has effectively endorsed the AfD by giving its leader such prominent exposure. A spokesperson for the Left Party, Dietmar Bartsch, called the move a “scandal,” stating that it amounted to “campaign funding for the AfD.” Despite the backlash, Siegmund and his party have embraced the attention. During a rally in Klötze, a small town in northern Saxony-Anhalt, Siegmund joked about being labeled the “most dangerous man in Germany,” saying he had feared few would want to stand beside him. His remarks were met with laughter and enthusiastic applause from supporters. The AfD’s local branch posted photos and videos showing Siegmund signing copies of the Spiegel issue, which they described as a “great advertising campaign.” One message read: “Thank you to Der Spiegel for this great ad campaign! Unfortunately, the signed copies of the Spiegel covers featuring me are already sold out.” In social media posts, Siegmund teased that if the AfD wins 46% of the vote, currently projected at around 41–42%, he would reveal how much the magazine paid for the feature. While these comments suggest a lighthearted attitude toward the controversy, they also highlight the growing influence of the AfD in regional politics. Political analysts and journalists have reacted sharply to the Spiegel cover. The Süddeutsche Zeitung questioned whether the magazine had become “fascism with a human face,” while the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung noted that the title turned Siegmund into a “poster boy with the aura of danger.” Some critics argue that the Spiegel, traditionally a respected West German publication, has crossed ethical boundaries by associating itself with a party known for its extremist views. In response, Spiegel editor-in-chief Dirk Kurbjuweit defended the decision in a detailed statement. He argued that Siegmund appeared friendly and approachable, even to voters who are not aligned with right-wing ideologies. At the same time, he acknowledged that Siegmund’s policies for Saxony-Anhalt represented “an attack on liberal democracy.” According to Kurbjuweit, Siegmund’s potential impact could be greater than that of criminals because politicians can affect millions of lives. He cited the late Spiegel founder Rudolf Augstein, whose journalistic motto was “Say what is,” as justification for the controversial cover selection. As the election approaches, the debate over the Spiegel cover continues to fuel public discourse. With the AfD currently leading in polls, the controversy underscores the deepening polarization in German politics and raises questions about the role of media in shaping political narratives. Whether the Spiegel’s decision will ultimately bolster the AfD’s chances or further alienate mainstream voters remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the coverage has intensified scrutiny on both the party and the media outlet.