The recent electoral success of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt has created uncertainty for migrants who have established lives in the region, prompting discussions about returning to their home countries.
The AfD secured its strongest result to date in the state's regional election last month, positioning itself to potentially form Germany's first far-right regional government since World War II. The newly elected state legislature convened for its first session, with the AfD seeking an early symbolic victory by claiming the speaker's position, traditionally awarded to the largest party. The selection of the state's governor is anticipated by December.
Ola Akhras, who fled Syria in 2018 and now works as a doctor in Magdeburg, expressed her distress. "It’s bad — we’ve built our lives here, we really loved being here, but now we don’t feel welcome anymore," she stated. Despite feeling appreciated at her workplace, Akhras has experienced increased hostility in public spaces and feels unsafe leaving her home in the evenings. She worries that her children will not be accepted as German.
This sentiment contrasts sharply with the atmosphere a decade ago when Germany welcomed over a million migrants, many from war-torn nations like Syria, under Chancellor Angela Merkel. During that period, numerous individuals integrated into society, learned German, and found employment.
However, worsening economic conditions in Germany, including slow growth, high inflation, and rising energy prices, have coincided with a deterioration of public opinion toward migrants. The AfD and other critics have pointed to immigrants as a cause for the nation's challenges.
The AfD, founded 13 years ago, has seen a particularly rapid increase in support in eastern Germany's formerly communist and economically weaker states, such as Saxony-Anhalt. The party also continues to gain traction nationally, serving as the strongest opposition party in the federal parliament and leading in recent opinion polls.
The AfD's performance in Saxony-Anhalt highlights its effectiveness in capitalizing on broader discontent, particularly concerning the national government's struggles with a sluggish economy. The party's election success has unsettled not only migrants but also those Germans concerned about a resurgence of nationalism.
While the AfD fell short of an outright majority in the election, making it uncertain if they will lead the next state government, many immigrants and refugees fear the implementation of the party's campaign promises. These include accelerating deportations and restricting asylum admissions.
Counseling centers in Saxony-Anhalt are reporting a significant increase in demand for support, according to Undra Dressler, executive director of the Saxony-Anhalt State Network of Migrant Organizations. "Counseling centers are extremely busy, the phones are ringing off the hook, counseling appointments are fully booked, and people are in great need of counseling and support," Dressler said.
Some individuals are considering leaving, while others are committed to staying and resisting the prevailing conditions. Mohamad Aldabagh, a pharmacist who arrived from Homs in 2015, is among those determined to remain. "It’s been a very good experience living in Germany over the past 10 years," Aldabagh said. "I’ve rebuilt my life here, and I won’t let anyone take that away from me."
Aldabagh believes that skilled professionals like himself and the numerous foreign doctors working in Germany are essential to the country's economy and cannot be mistreated. However, the AfD's platform for Saxony-Anhalt proposes a selective approach to labor migration, advocating against recruiting workers perceived as "culturally foreign" and ending state programs that support the integration of skilled immigrants. Rahim Hajji, a professor at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, questioned how a state facing an aging population and labor shortages can meet its needs while restricting the pool of potential foreign workers.
As of August, over 27% of doctors in Saxony-Anhalt's hospitals were not German citizens. Aldabagh expressed a desire to contribute to society but noted that if respect is not afforded, he might consider relocating to a different state where the AfD's influence is less pronounced.