Potential Changes Under an AfD Government in Saxony-Anhalt

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is currently leading in opinion polls, is seeking to form a government in Saxony-Anhalt with its lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, potentially serving as state premier. The Saxony-Anhalt chapter of the AfD is classified by the domestic intelligence agency as 'confirmed far-right.' In its draft government program, the AfD has proposed immediate deportation of immigrants without residency permits and stricter asylum rules, including increased detention pending deportation and mandatory work for asylum-seekers. The party also intends to cut state funding for integration programs, which it refers to as an 'asylum industry.' Furthermore, the AfD aims to exclude children and adolescents without permanent residency from regular schools and plans to establish a 'Remigration Task Force' to coordinate the state's asylum policy. The legality of some proposed measures, such as creating special classes for refugees, may conflict with international and European law, and deportation authority lies with the federal government. The AfD's platform calls for a '180-degree turnaround in migration policy' to reduce the number of immigrants in Saxony-Anhalt, despite the region facing a skilled worker shortage, particularly in nursing and elderly care. The party's strategy to address this shortage includes encouraging Germans living abroad to return, proposing a 'return program' with financial incentives. Saxony-Anhalt has experienced significant population decline since reunification in 1990, dropping from approximately 2.9 million to 2.1 million residents. Economic researchers have expressed concerns that an AfD government could worsen the skilled worker shortage, as highly qualified professionals may seek opportunities in more welcoming regions. While state governments have limited authority over foreign and defense policy, they can influence discussions in the Bundesrat, the parliamentary chamber representing the states. The AfD's election platform also advocates for improved relations with Russia and an end to sanctions, although this stance is largely symbolic due to federal regulations. The party proposes expanding Russian language instruction in schools and recruiting native Russian speakers for this purpose. Regarding Ukrainian refugees, the AfD has called for a 'return offensive,' although deportation is governed by federal policy. The party's proposal for a volunteer citizen patrol to assist local police has drawn criticism, with legal experts warning that such groups could undermine public safety. The AfD's platform emphasizes identity politics, promoting a positive image of German history and advocating for changes in school curricula to reflect its views. The party opposes social diversity initiatives, including banning rainbow flags in schools, and seeks to redirect funding from pro-democracy projects. This article was originally written in German.