AfD Unveils Radical Plan for Deportations and Closer Ties with Russia — FT
The far-right party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) has unveiled its election platform in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, which includes a number of controversial initiatives.
This was reported by the Financial Times.
The party, which leads in regional polls with about 40% support, promises mass deportations of migrants, the dismantling of public broadcasting, and the restoration of close cooperation with Russia.
Elections in this federal state are scheduled for September, and if successful, the AfD could head the regional government for the first time in its 13-year history.
Ulrich Sigmund, the candidate for state premier, told delegates in Magdeburg that they would “make history” because many citizens “no longer feel safe in their own country.”
Financial Times analysts describe the 156-page manifesto as “highly controversial” because it touches on issues of national jurisdiction.
In particular, the far-right party proposes lifting sanctions against Moscow, resuming gas purchases via the Nord Stream pipeline, and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement.
The program places particular emphasis on the humanitarian sector and education.
The party seeks to expand Russian language instruction in schools and launch student exchange programs with Russia, while simultaneously criticizing the “anti-Russian policies” of other political forces in Germany.
Regarding Ukrainian migrants, the AfD’s position is categorical: they believe that Ukrainians should not be granted refugee status, and those already in the country should return home.
“Migration is a central point of the program, which calls for a ‘culture of farewell’ for illegal migrants, rather than a ‘culture of hospitality,’” the document states.
The program also calls for radical changes within German society.
It proposes banning gender-inclusive policies, removing rainbow flags from schools, and dismantling the current public broadcasting system, which is accused of spreading “leftist ideology.”
As a reminder, Germany has temporarily suspended the requirement for men under 45 to obtain permission to travel abroad.
As a reminder, the German Navy is exploring the possibility of establishing another military port on the North Sea coast amid growing military needs.
