AfD outlines strict asylum and cultural policies in Saxony-Anhalt election program
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The Alternative for Germany party’s draft program for a possible Saxony-Anhalt government calls for immediate deportations, mandatory work for asylum seekers, and a shift in cultural funding, while experts warn the proposals may conflict with federal and EU law.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is preparing a draft program for a potential single-party government in Saxony-Anhalt, where its lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund aims to become state premier. The party’s platform calls for immediate deportations of migrants without residency permits, expanded detention, compulsory labor for asylum seekers and the elimination of state funding for integration programs, which it labels an “asylum industry.”
It also proposes to bar children without permanent residency from regular schools and to create a “Remigration Task Force” to coordinate the state’s asylum policy. Legal scholars note that many of these measures could conflict with German, European and international law, and that deportation decisions fall under federal jurisdiction.
On labour shortages, the AfD proposes a “return program” offering a bonus to Germans living abroad to encourage repatriation, though details on funding and expected numbers are unclear. Economic researchers warn that the party’s anti-immigration stance could worsen the region’s long-standing shortage of skilled workers, particularly in health care.
In foreign policy, the draft calls for a rapprochement with Russia and an end to sanctions, a position that would be symbolic at the state level but could influence debates in the Bundesrat. The party also seeks to expand Russian language instruction in schools and adopts a hard line on Ukrainian refugees, despite federal authority over such matters.
The program includes a proposal to establish voluntary citizen patrols as an additional security layer. Legal scholar Thomas Feltes warned that such groups would function as vigilante forces and could increase public fear of crime.
Culturally, the AfD plans to revise school curricula to downplay Germany’s Nazi past, ban rainbow flags in schools, reject Bauhaus heritage as “globalist,” and redirect funding away from projects supporting social diversity.
"Highly qualified professionals, in particular, have options," said Reint Gropp, president of the Halle Institute for Economic Research, adding that perceived hostility could drive talent to other regions.
"It is the police's duty to ward off dangers and ensure the protection of the public. Only the police are authorized to use force in doing so," wrote Thomas Feltes, warning that citizen patrols could undermine safety.
The AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt chapter is classified by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency as a confirmed far-right organization, raising questions about the feasibility and legality of many proposals should the party assume state leadership.