AfD Adopts Radical 'Remigration' Manifesto as Far-Right Party Eyes Historic Saxony-Anhalt Victory

Germany's AfD adopts a "radical" manifesto for Saxony-Anhalt, targeting migrants and seeking a pro-Russian shift ahead of the September regional elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 12, 2026, 12:39 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from BBC News

Radical Policy Shift in Eastern Germany

The Alternative für Deutschland has formally adopted a controversial and far-reaching government program for Saxony-Anhalt, signaling a sharp rightward turn in regional politics. During a party conference in Magdeburg, delegates gave a standing ovation to leading candidate Ulrich Siegmund, who characterized the upcoming September elections as a global turning point. The manifesto, which spans over 150 pages, outlines a vision for an "ethnic German" state that prioritizes native populations while systematically dismantling current immigration frameworks.

Remigration and the Overhaul of Migration Policy

A central and polarizing pillar of the new manifesto is the explicit call for "remigration," a term describing the mass removal of individuals with non-German backgrounds. According to the draft seen by the BBC, the party demands a total reversal of federal migration trends, seeking to end what it labels "anti-native mass migration." Specifically, the program targets Ukrainian refugees, calling for an end to their status as war refugees and advocating for their return. These proposals follow years of political fallout regarding the party's alleged participation in secret meetings where such mass deportations were first discussed.

Pro-Russian Stance and Federal Contradictions

In a direct challenge to the federal government’s foreign policy, the AfD manifesto advocates for a normalized and strengthened relationship with Russia. The party explicitly states that current anti-Russian sanctions are detrimental to German interests, calling for their immediate lifting and the expansion of Russian language instruction in schools. This stance places the Saxony-Anhalt branch at odds with the national coalition, which remains a primary military and financial supporter of Ukraine. While some foreign policy shifts require federal authority, the party intends to use state influence to push for a broader geopolitical "U-turn."