Germany’s AfD links arms production to planned deportation campaigns in Saxony-Anhalt

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has suggested that arms production in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt could help provide resources for the party’s planned deportation campaigns if it takes control of the state government.

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has suggested that arms production in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt could help provide resources for the party’s planned deportation campaigns if it takes control of the state government.

Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s likely leader in Saxony-Anhalt made the comments during a press conference in Magdeburg. He was responding to questions about a proposed defence industry investment in the city of Sangerhausen.

Siegmund said the AfD did not oppose the production of military equipment in all circumstances, arguing that the state could require appropriate resources for what he described as future “repatriation and deportation campaigns.” He also linked such production to internal security, stability and national defence.

The comments come as the AfD faces questions over the future of a planned defence industry project in Sangerhausen. The party has opposed Germany’s increased defence spending under Chancellor Friedrich Merz and has criticized military support for Ukraine while also calling for closer relations with Russia.

German public broadcaster MDR has reported that Israel-based defence company Elbit Systems is considering building a facility in Sangerhausen to manufacture components for other German companies. Local officials have said the proposed site would not produce complete weapons systems, drones or artillery shells and could create as many as 400 jobs.

Elbit Systems Deutschland said it was continuously evaluating opportunities to expand its operations in Germany but that no locations had yet been selected for future expansion.

The AfD recently secured a historic election victory in Saxony-Anhalt coming close to an outright majority and seeking to form a state government. The anti-immigration party has pledged to begin deportations immediately, introduce citizen patrols and create separate classrooms for refugee children.

Siegmund said the AfD would examine the Sangerhausen project closely including what would be produced and under what conditions to determine whether it could potentially involve the state in foreign conflicts.

Any support for the project could also affect possible talks with the left-wing populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), the only party that has not completely ruled out cooperation with the AfD. The BSW also opposes German military support for Ukraine and has campaigned against the Sangerhausen defence project.