The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a right-wing political party in Germany, is facing increased scrutiny after its historic win in the recent elections in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The party secured 44% of the seats, putting it in a strong position to potentially form the state government. However, concerns have been raised about the backgrounds of several of its 39 newly elected members of parliament (MPs), some of whom have controversial histories. Among the MPs-elect are individuals with criminal records, past ties to the East German Stasi secret police, and connections to far-right networks. One MP was previously a pornography actor who had been convicted for stealing hotel bedding and had falsified his school leaving certificate, leading to his expulsion from a university. Another MP is a former Stasi officer who worked for the East German regime's state security ministry, targeting citizens who wanted to leave the country. His role has drawn criticism from groups representing Stasi victims. Two MPs are under investigation for alleged ties to the banned right-wing extremist group Artgemeinschaft, known for its nationalist and antisemitic views. One of them is also accused of violating weapons laws, though both have denied the allegations. A report by the broadcaster ZDF uncovered that some AfD ministers-elect had links to other extremist groups, including the Homeland-Loyal German Youth (HDJ), with one having previously led the organization. Additionally, an AfD adviser wrote a biography described as an “homage to national socialism.” Some MPs-elect have pro-Kremlin ties, and others have visited members of the U.S. "Maga" movement in Washington. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s parliamentary group leader, referred to the two MPs under investigation as “the bad guys” and said the party would wait for the investigation results before commenting further. Siegmund, a former fragrance salesman, made controversial remarks linking arms production to the party’s plans for a deportation campaign. His comments drew criticism from opponents, with SPD parliamentary group chair Katja Pähle calling them a “political threat” that suggested the use of “violence as a political tool.” The AfD is now in a position to potentially form the first far-right government in Germany since World War II, but it needs more support to achieve an absolute majority. Mainstream parties have refused to form a coalition with the AfD. Protests are planned across more than 20 German cities in response to the party's election success, ahead of key state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommen later this month.