The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is riding high in the opinion polls in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt and could win an outright majority in regional elections there in September.
This would be the first time a far-right party has held power in a German state since the Second World War.
This weekend, the AfD officially adopted what has been described as a 'radical' and pro-ethnic German government programme for Saxony-Anhalt at a party conference in Magdeburg.
AfD's leading candidate in the state, Ulrich Siegmund, a TikTok star who was given a standing ovation by the delegates, declared it a historic moment that the whole of Germany and parts of Europe are closely observing.
He emphasized the need to address feelings of insecurity and disconnection with the homeland, proclaiming, 'Let's take back our country.'
The manifesto, exceeding 150 pages, proposes sweeping policy changes including strict immigration measures and support for families of German origin. It calls for improved relations with Russia, directly opposing the current federal government’s stance, which is a key supporter of Ukraine.
Among its controversial proposals, the manifesto advocates for consistent deportations, the provision of free childcare, and a focus on 'remigration' policies. Prime Minister Angela Merkel's previous admonitions against the AfD's extremism are echoed in concerns from political adversaries who label the manifesto a 'nightmare scenario' for democracy.
Currently classified by Saxony-Anhalt's Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a 'far-right extremist organization', the AfD's ascent reflects a growing right-wing sentiment in Germany, where it secured a record 20.8% of votes in the last federal elections.
The manifesto’s radical tone includes provisions for deportations and critiques the current political narrative surrounding refugees, especially Ukrainians, with declarations to halt recognizing them as refugees. Such rhetoric indicates a significant ideological shift towards right-wing populism in Germany.
As protests against the party continued, questions remain about the feasibility and implications of the AfD's manifesto, leading sceptics to believe that the proposals may endanger democratic values within the state and beyond.
