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AfD faces backlash over hiring relatives in Bundestag offices ahead of Saxony-Anhalt election

Trust or favoritism? The AfD defends hiring relatives as legal—but critics question the optics. With elections looming, the party grapples with public perception.

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Parliament Jobs for Relatives? AfD Leader Sees 'Taste' - AfD faces backlash over hiring relatives in Bundestag offices ahead of Saxony-Anhalt election

An investigation has uncovered that relatives of AfD politicians in Saxony-Anhalt were employed in Bundestag offices run by party colleagues. The findings, reported by ZDF’s Frontal and Die Zeit, have sparked debate within the party. Senior figures have now responded to the claims, offering differing views on the practice. The reports revealed that multiple family members of AfD lawmakers held positions in parliamentary offices. Among those named was the father of Ulrich Siegmund, the party’s lead candidate in the upcoming state election in early September.

AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla criticised the practice, calling it legally sound but admitting it left a bad impression. He acknowledged feeling uneasy about the situation while pointing out that other parties had done the same. Ulrich Siegmund defended the appointments, arguing that hiring trusted individuals was practical. He stated he saw no problem with the practice and would consider employing a relative of a party ally himself. Siegmund emphasised that all contracts met legal standards and were above board. For him, the key issue was whether the rules had been followed—not personal connections.

The revelations have drawn attention to hiring practices within the AfD’s parliamentary offices. Party leaders have confirmed the appointments were legally compliant but recognised the potential for public concern. The debate comes ahead of Saxony-Anhalt’s state election, where the AfD is campaigning for votes.

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