"Less Hitler, more Bismarck": The far-right ideologue's plan to conquer Germany

The far-right Alternative for Germany party's victory in the Saxony-Anhalt local elections is attributed to charismatic leader Ulrich Siegmund, but behind him stands ideologue Hans-Thomas Tillschneider. Tillschneider, a former Islamic studies scholar who lived in Damascus, is considered the party's driving force and plans, through a 'culture war' and control of the education ministry, to change the curriculum and downplay Holocaust studies in favor of 19th-century German nationalism.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a massive victory in the Saxony-Anhalt local elections, with 43.8% of the vote, approaching being the first far-right party to control a state since 1945. The victory is attributed to charismatic leader Ulrich Siegmund, the party's 'poster boy,' but behind him stands ideologue Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, considered the driving force. Tillschneider, a former Islamic studies scholar who studied in Damascus, is the deputy chairman of the faction in the local parliament and the leading candidate for Minister of Education and Culture. He plans a 'culture war' to downplay Holocaust remembrance culture and emphasize 19th-century German nationalism, under the slogan 'more Bismarck, less Hitler.' Tillschneider has previously accused Jews of encouraging Muslim immigration to 'destroy our people' and holds a staunch pro-Russian stance, including visits to Moscow and Kaliningrad. The party's radical platform includes deporting immigrants, ethnic nationalism, renewing ties with Russia, and calling for an end to German shame culture.