Germany's hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has indicated a desire for a weapons producer to operate within the state of Saxony-Anhalt, suggesting the facility could provide resources for its planned deportation initiatives.
Ulrich Siegmund, a prominent figure in the AfD and the likely leader of the state government, stated at a press conference on Thursday that the party was not opposed to the domestic production of military equipment. "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 further added, "This is also in the interest of internal security, our own stability, and national defence."
Local reports suggest that Israel's Elbit Systems is in discussions to establish a plant in Sangerhausen, which would manufacture components for other German companies. City officials have stated that no complete weapons systems, drones, or artillery shells would be produced at the proposed site, which could create up to 400 jobs. Elbit Systems Deutschland confirmed to Reuters on Friday that it is continuously evaluating expansion opportunities in Germany but has not yet selected specific locations.
The AfD, which secured a significant electoral victory in Saxony-Anhalt and is seeking to form a state government, has previously pledged to implement deportations "from the first minute," establish citizen patrols, and create separate classrooms for refugee children.
Siegmund noted that the party is closely observing the developments in Sangerhausen. "We want to take a close look at exactly what is being produced and under what conditions, and whether this runs the risk of involving us in foreign conflicts," he stated.
Any potential support for the project from the AfD could affect coalition talks with the left-wing populist BSW party, which has not ruled out cooperation with the AfD. The BSW, which shares the AfD's opposition to German military support for Ukraine, has campaigned against the Sangerhausen project, raising objections to the economic arguments for attracting foreign defense manufacturers.