For anyone living in Germany as a foreigner, the political rise of the AfD is more than an abstract news story — it shapes the social environment, public debate, and in some cases daily life. The far-right party is now reported to be on course for a landslide win in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, according to The Local, which spoke to historian and journalist Katja Hoyer for context. The comparison being drawn — including by the headline itself — is to the MAGA movement in the United States. Understanding what is driving the AfD's popularity, and what it could mean for you as an expat or immigrant, is increasingly important.
Historian and journalist Katja Hoyer offered her analysis to The Local on why the AfD has become so dominant in this part of eastern Germany. While the specific arguments she made are not fully detailed in the available summary, the broader context is well established: eastern German states have historically shown higher support for the AfD than western ones, with factors including economic grievances, a sense of political neglect, cultural anxiety and distrust of mainstream parties all playing a role.
The comparison to the MAGA movement is notable. Like that political phenomenon, the AfD has succeeded in framing itself as an outsider force speaking for people who feel left behind — a positioning that resonates strongly in parts of the former East Germany where many communities experienced profound economic and social disruption following reunification.
The AfD has an openly anti-immigration platform. The party has consistently called for the mass deportation of undocumented migrants, tighter border controls, and a fundamental rollback of Germany's asylum system. Its rhetoric frequently frames immigration as a threat to public safety and German identity.
For immigrants and expats in Germany, this matters on two levels. First, if the AfD continues to gain electoral strength, it increases pressure on mainstream parties — including the CDU and SPD — to adopt harder immigration stances in order to compete for voters. This so-called 'policy pull' has already been visible in recent German political debates around migration.
Second, there is the question of the social climate. Research and community organisations have documented that periods of heightened far-right political activity tend to correlate with increased experiences of discrimination and hostility for people who are visibly foreign or non-white. This is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to be informed.
It is worth noting that Saxony-Anhalt is one of the AfD's strongest regions — it is not representative of Germany as a whole. Major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt have very different political landscapes, with much lower AfD support and large, established immigrant communities. If you live in western Germany or a major urban centre, the immediate local political environment is likely to feel quite different from what is described in Saxony-Anhalt.
That said, federal politics are shaped by state-level results. A strong AfD performance in multiple eastern states — including Saxony-Anhalt — adds to the party's national profile and its ability to influence the political agenda in Berlin.
State elections do not directly change federal immigration law. Immigration policy in Germany is primarily a federal matter, determined by the Bundestag and federal government. However, state results influence the national political debate and can shift the positions of parties that do control federal policy. It is also worth noting that states do have some influence over how federal immigration rules are implemented locally.
Your legal rights as a resident in Germany are determined by federal law and, where applicable, EU law — not by which party wins a state election. However, if you experience discrimination or feel unsafe, organisations such as the Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency) exist to provide support and guidance. Look up their official contact details for the most current information.
The AfD's surge in Saxony-Anhalt is a significant political development that the expat and immigrant community in Germany should follow closely — not with alarm, but with clear eyes. Understanding the political landscape you live in is part of being an informed resident. Your rights are protected by federal and EU law regardless of state election outcomes, but the broader social and policy environment is worth monitoring.
Stay engaged with reliable German and English-language news sources, know what support organisations exist in your area, and — if you are eligible — consider participating in democratic processes yourself.
Source: The Local
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