The hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has indicated a desire for an arms producer to operate within the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, suggesting such a facility could supply resources for its planned deportation initiatives. Ulrich Siegmund, identified as the likely leader for the state, stated at a press conference on Thursday that the party does not oppose the production of military equipment for domestic use.
"We do not condemn the production of military equipment across the board, because we will naturally need the appropriate resources for future repatriation and deportation campaigns," Siegmund said. He added that this aligns with interests in "internal security, our own stability, and national defence."
Local media has reported that Israel's Elbit Systems is in discussions to establish a plant in Sangerhausen, Saxony-Anhalt, to manufacture components for other German companies. City officials have indicated that complete weapons systems, drones, or artillery shells would not be produced at the site, which could generate up to 400 jobs. Elbit Systems Deutschland stated on Friday that it is continually evaluating expansion opportunities in Germany but has not yet selected any specific locations.
The AfD, which achieved a historic electoral victory in Saxony-Anhalt falling just short of an outright majority, has campaigned on promises of deportations "from the first minute," citizen patrols, and separate educational settings for refugee children. Siegmund confirmed the party is monitoring the developments in Sangerhausen, emphasizing the need to scrutinize the nature of production and its potential to involve Germany in foreign conflicts.
Any support for the Sangerhausen project from the AfD could impact negotiations with the BSW party, another political group that has not ruled out cooperation with the AfD. The BSW, which, like the AfD, opposes German military aid to Ukraine, has voiced objections to the Sangerhausen project, citing concerns beyond economic arguments for attracting foreign defense manufacturers.