QUEDLINBURG: As the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party shows signs of securing a historic victory in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, many migrants are making preparations to leave, fearing an imminent policy shift toward aggressive deportation efforts and heightened xenophobia.
The AfD, known for its anti-immigration stance, Islamophobia, and pro-Russia position, is projected to win its first-ever governing majority in the upcoming election. This prospect has created significant anxiety among foreign-born residents, particularly those from Syria and other regions.
Syrian-born cardiologist Ayman Alyoussef, a head physician in Quedlinburg, expressed widespread concerns: “I fear that hatred of foreigners will spread.” Despite being a German citizen since 2014, Alyoussef has encountered street-level hostility, a sentiment echoed by his family, who also face prejudice due to their Muslim attire.
“I am able to get them through an acute crisis,” Alyoussef told AFP, highlighting his contributions to patient care. “Afterwards, they are very grateful when they realize that a foreigner helped them. But out on the street, they don’t know that I am a cardiologist. They think I am just a foreigner receiving assistance from the city. That is why they say they don’t want someone like me here. That is the problem.”
Around 150 migrant-owned businesses in Magdeburg temporarily closed their doors last week to protest the escalating climate of xenophobia, with the Refugee Council reporting increasing incidents of racism and social exclusion among migrants.
– Up in flames
Afghan migrant Rezwaan Talash, 24, voiced fears about the stability of life in Germany: “Whether I’ll still have my life the way it is now, that’s a question and a fear that’s always on my mind.” Talash, who arrived six years ago and volunteers with migrant support groups, noted that some residents have already begun relocating: “We don’t want everything we’ve worked to achieve here so far — starting a calm, good life here — to suddenly go up in flames.”
AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund, vying for state premier, pledged to deport all foreigners without legal status immediately upon taking office. While he signaled leniency toward “regular immigration” with strict criteria, his rhetoric has already deepened societal divisions. Greens candidate Mamad Mohamad, a Syrian refugee and advocate, described heightened tensions during canvassing, noting that campaigners often face verbal aggression and now must work in groups for safety.
– Demographic crisis
Economists warn that the AfD’s anti-migration agenda poses an economic threat. Saxony-Anhalt, which has lost nearly a quarter of its population since reunification, faces a labor shortage exacerbated by its dwindling workforce. Conservative CDU candidate Sven Schulze emphasized the challenge: “For every two people leaving the workforce, only one enters it.”
While the AfD proposes “baby bonuses” and incentives to reclaim ethnic Germans abroad, employers struggle to retain skilled workers. IT store owner Matthias Herberg confirmed: “Many people leave the state. Many school leavers don’t have ideal qualifications. Well-qualified people with a migration background could absolutely fill these gaps.”
The healthcare sector, reliant on foreign-born doctors and nurses, faces particular risk. Clinic director Matthias Voth stated, “Without our highly qualified colleagues of foreign origin, we wouldn’t be able to function. I would have to close the hospital.” Alyoussef, weighing his options, concluded, “I have a German passport, and my family too. I can work anywhere. If I get the feeling that hatred is being spread here, then that’s it, I’m done.”
