Ulrich Siegmund: The Man Behind Germany's Far Right Rise Ulrich Siegmund is a household name in German politics, although not for his progressive views or charismatic leadership style.
As one of the key figures behind the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's surge to prominence, he has become synonymous with the country's far right revival.
The AfD's Rise to Power The Alternative for Germany party was founded in 2013 as an anti EU movement focused on criticizing the European Union's handling of the eurozone crisis.