BERLIN — Ulrich Siegmund, the leading candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, has made a Simson moped the symbol of his election campaign.
The small Simson motorcycles are produced by a company originally founded by a Jewish family and now manufactured in East Germany. Today, they have a cult following and for many AfD supporters, Simson represents East German pride, individual freedom, and resistance to an establishment they see as predominantly West German and liberal.
Siegmund’s regular campaign events have featured dozens of vintage Simson mopeds and drawn large crowds of supporters. A rising star in his party, the 35-year-old was recently labeled “Germany’s most dangerous man” by Der Spiegel.
Should the AfD come out ahead in this Sunday’s election in Saxony-Anhalt, as polls predict, Siegmund could become the first far-right head of a German state government in the postwar era.
Among those watching the election with alarm is Dennis Baum, the US-based heir and spokesperson for the Simson family.
