Germany’s far-right AfD party unveils ‘radical’ manifesto before crucial elections. 15 hours earlier. Bethany Bell, Reuters reporter for Germany. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is surging in opinion polls in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt and could secure an absolute majority in the state’s regional elections in September. It would mark the first time a far-right party has governed a German state since World War II. This weekend, at a party conference in the central city of Magdeburg, the AfD formally endorsed a government program for Saxony-Anhalt that has been labeled “radical” and pro-ethnic German. Ulrich Siegmund, the party’s top candidate in the state and a TikTok sensation who received a standing ovation from delegates, described it as a historic moment not only for Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD celebrates court injunction against ‘extremist’ designation as a triumph. “The entire nation of Germany is following this historic election,” he said to the conference. “Portions of Europe are observing this historic election.” Portions of the world are observing this historic election, as it could finally spark a political turnaround here in Germany too. He stated that his party had the bravery to address Germany’s problems, noting “that we no longer feel safe, that we barely feel at home anymore, that we no longer recognize our homeland.” He added, “Let’s reclaim our country.” The over 150-page program outlines extensive reforms for Saxony-Anhalt, including stricter measures against immigrants and support for large families of German descent. It also seeks better ties with Russia, opposing the federal coalition’s strong backing of Ukraine. “We support consistent deportations, free childcare, and remigration,” said Siegmund. While some proposals would need federal intervention and seem impractical at the state level, many are achievable. Eva von Angern, head of the left-wing Linke Party’s parliamentary group in Saxony-Anhalt, called the AfD’s agenda a “nightmare for Saxony-Anhalt and our democracy.” She accused the AfD of pushing an authoritarian state that would drastically limit basic rights, and charged it with “inhuman fantasies of omnipotence.” She urged informing the public about the AfD’s “ugly truths” and the “severe personal consequences” if the party gained power. Saxony-Anhalt, like much of ex-Communist East Germany, is an AfD bastion, though the party performs strongly nationwide. It placed second in last year’s federal elections, securing a record 152 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag with 20.8% of the vote. Reuters. In 2023, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Saxony-Anhalt designated the AfD’s state branch as a “far-right extremist organization.” Analysts view the government’s program in Saxony-Anhalt as a preview of the party’s plans should it acquire greater national influence. The BBC-reviewed draft manifesto calls for “a complete U-turn” in migration policy.
