I was elected to the Diet in the same way as at every parliamentary election.

In this quote, Fritz Sauckel humorously compares his election to the Diet (the legislative body) to the typical process of a parliamentary election. The reference to being "elected to the Diet" suggests that Sauckel was appointed or chosen for a political role, and by likening this process to a standard election, he implies that it followed the usual, perhaps predictable, political procedures. The comparison highlights how the event was carried out in a formal and expected manner, much like any other routine political appointment or election.

The mention of the Diet is significant because it refers to historical legislative assemblies, especially in the context of Germany during the time when Sauckel was active. The Diet in this sense refers to a body of government or parliament, which was responsible for making laws and decisions. Sauckel's use of the term likely alludes to his involvement in Nazi-era politics, where he held various official roles, including serving as the Reich Plenipotentiary for Labor Deployment.

Sauckel’s statement, coming from a period of intense political and social turmoil, reflects his pragmatic approach to the political process. His casual comparison to a typical election might also suggest a sense of normalcy or acceptance of the system, despite the authoritarian context of his role. The quote could also be seen as a subtle commentary on the lack of genuine democratic choice, where elections or appointments were often predetermined or manipulated under the regime.

Ultimately, Sauckel’s quote sheds light on the bureaucratic nature of political appointments during his time, suggesting that his election to the Diet was part of a routine, possibly devoid of the free will or true democratic process that one might expect in a functioning republic. It serves as a reminder of how politics and governance can be shaped by broader systems of power and control.