**Far-Right Triumph in Eastern Germany Leaves Migrants Questioning Their Future**
In a significant political shift, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a historic victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt during the recent elections. The outcome has left many in the migrant community, including newly elected lawmakers, grappling with uncertainty about their future in the region.
Mamad Mohamad, a 46-year-old member of the Greens and a Syrian immigrant, expressed mixed emotions as he watched the election results unfold. Mohamad, who arrived in Germany as a 16-year-old Yazidi Kurd in 1996, is set to become one of the first lawmakers with an immigrant background to enter the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament. Despite this personal milestone, he described the election outcome as a “poisoned victory,” reflecting the broader concerns of many migrants in the area.
The AfD has long advocated for stricter immigration and asylum policies, claiming that Germany has lost control over its borders and that migration is straining public services and social cohesion. Their election manifesto outlines plans for a state-level campaign to deport rejected asylum seekers and encourages businesses to invest in automation and artificial intelligence instead of relying on skilled migrants from what they term “culturally alien” backgrounds.
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, responded to criticism of the party's rhetoric, asserting that they welcome individuals who contribute positively to society, abide by the law, and are qualified to work in Germany. However, the party's history of anti-immigrant sentiment has raised concerns among migrant communities, who fear an increase in hostility and discrimination.
The mood in Mohamad's household was somber following the election results. His daughter expressed reluctance to attend school, reflecting a broader anxiety among immigrant families. Undra Dressler, managing director of the State Network of Migrant Organisations in Saxony-Anhalt, noted that many individuals with migrant backgrounds have long faced discrimination and barriers in accessing essential services. The election results, while not entirely unexpected, have prompted a sense of urgency among some community members. “There are many people in our communities who say: ‘We’ve already packed our bags and have concrete plans, and we’ll be leaving soon,’ or, in some cases, have already left,” Dressler remarked.
Pascal Begrich, managing director of the democracy advocacy group Miteinander, acknowledged that while a large-scale exodus of migrants is unlikely due to economic factors, the political climate is causing many to reassess their future in Saxony-Anhalt. “There are companies asking themselves whether they really want to locate here and whether they can ensure their workers will be safe,” he stated.
Mohamad expressed concern that the political shift could deter newcomers from settling in a state already facing demographic challenges. “Skilled workers and families will look elsewhere,” he warned, highlighting the potential long-term implications of the AfD's rise in popularity.
Despite the troubling political landscape, both Dressler and Begrich emphasized that any future government would be bound by Germany's constitutional order and protections for minorities. “Every government is bound by this,” Dressler asserted, adding that the other federal states have a responsibility to monitor and intervene if necessary.
As the dust settles on the election results, the future remains uncertain for many in the migrant community in Saxony-Anhalt. While some express a desire to leave, others are hoping for a continued commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the face of rising far-right sentiment. The outcome of this election may serve as a pivotal moment for both the political landscape of the region and the lives of those who call it home.