Germany’s AfD Pushes Radical Agenda Ahead of State Election

Germany’s far‑right AfD is campaigning on lifting sanctions on Russia and targeting Ukrainian refugees as it gains ground ahead of a key state election. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A man crosses an overpass as in background can be seen one of the German flags flying on the Reichstag building that houses the Bundestag (lower house of parliemant) on November 27, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Germany’s far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining momentum ahead of state elections in Saxony‑Anhalt. On Wednesday, CNN reported that the AfD held a party congress over the weekend, positioning itself for elections in September that could give the party its first absolute majority in a German state since its founding 13 years ago. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Speaking to about 250 delegates, the party’s lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, outlined what AfD governance could look like in the state. “We say yes to consistent deportations,” Siegmund said during his address, which was followed by the adoption of a 150‑page manifesto that many have described as radical . According to a draft of the manifesto, the AfD advocates for what it describes as a complete “180‑degree turn” in migration policy, including deportations and so‑called “remigration,” a term with historical associations to Nazi ideology . Per his descriptions, Ukrainian refugees who fled Russia’s invasion would be among those affected under the proposal. AfD support has grown amid persistent anti‑immigration sentiment, particularly following attacks involving migrants in 2024 and 2025, including an incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. The manifesto also includes positions that have raised concerns about ties to Russia . It calls for lifting sanctions on Moscow and criticizes what it describes as Germany’s anti‑Russian policies amid continued federal government support for Ukraine . Other Topics of Interest US Arms Delay, Russia’s New Donbas Timeline, King in Ukraine – Ukraine Latest, April 16 Confusion over the Strait of Hormuz’s reopening, fresh military scandal in Ukraine, Russia’s anti-Poland exhibition on massacre site – updates from Ukraine and beyond The election is being closely watched across Europe as a test of whether parties critical of Western support for Ukraine translate into electoral success. Veronika Sukhanych is a political analyst with a foundation in governance, legal research, and international policy. Kyiv-born and educated in comparative politics, her background includes research on global financial institutions, responsible AI governance, and security policy.