ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Voters in Germany’s eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt will head to the polls on September 6 for the state’s eighth election, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party seeking major gains amid growing concerns over immigration.
The AfD, known for its restrictive immigration and asylum policies, is campaigning aggressively. Recent polls put its support at around 40 percent.
AfD parliamentary leader Oliver Kirchner told Rudaw’s Zinar Shino on Friday the party welcomes immigrants who come to Germany legally.
“We are open to everyone who wants to come here, wants to live like us, wants to live together with us, and wants to let us live as our culture desires,” Kirchner said.
“They are warmly welcome here. I have nothing against the Portuguese tile-setter who wants to help us here, or against a Turkish service provider - or wherever they may come from - here in Saxony-Anhalt. If they come here legally, they are warmly welcome. We want to deport those who are here illegally, and we want to deport criminals who do not belong here,” he added.
In May, the AfD proposed rolling back recent citizenship reforms in favor of citizenship by descent as opposed to naturalization after a set period of residence, prompting fears about future residency, rights and inclusion for foreign communities. The party has also advocated for the end to individual asylum hearings in Germany as one of its core positions.
The opposition Green Party, who has brought prominent figures from outside the region to boost its campaign, could play a decisive role in the election.
The Green Party’s lead candidate, Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz, raised alarm over the prospect of the AfD winning a large share of the vote.
“Of course, one cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that a 40 percent majority... for a far-right party, feels threatening,” she said.
“I can understand anyone who is afraid of this and leaves the state, but I ask everyone, I ask everyone, to stay here together with us, to join arms, to be strong together, and to ensure that this state remains as wonderfully colorful and diverse as it is,” Sziborra-Seidlitz added.
Young activists have also taken to the streets to protest against the AfD, in support of immigrant rights.
Ansgar Weinstruch, one of the protestors present at the demonstration, said he sees similarities between the current political climate and the rise of far-right politics in Germany in the past.
“I think the AfD, if they win... they are not the same fascists as the fascism under Hitler. Fascism has become 'sweeter,' more socially acceptable, and more like a 'pop-fascism,' I would say,” Weinstruch said. “I think the violence is [already] there in Magdeburg, and for me, it reminds me more of the 90s.”
Nearly 1.7 million people are eligible to vote in the election for Saxony-Anhalt’s state parliament.
The result is being closely watched beyond the state, as the vote could offer a broader indication of the influence of Germany’s far right on determining its future political trajectory.
