Ahead of the Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is polling above 40% — a figure that has drawn national and international attention. For expats and immigrants living in Germany, the rise of the AfD is not just a headline: the party's positions on immigration, integration, and multicultural life have direct implications for the everyday experiences of foreign nationals across the country. Understanding what is driving this support can help the expat community make sense of Germany's current political landscape.
Saxony-Anhalt is a predominantly rural state in eastern Germany, and DW's reporting points to this regional character as a key factor in the AfD's strength. Eastern German states have consistently shown higher levels of support for the far right compared to the west, a pattern shaped by decades of post-reunification economic and social change.
The specific drivers behind the AfD's rise in places like Saxony-Anhalt are complex. Economic anxiety, a sense of being overlooked by political elites, and concerns about rapid social change are frequently cited in broader analyses of far-right support in the region. The party has successfully positioned itself as a protest vehicle for voters who feel mainstream parties have failed them.
For the expat community, it is important to separate the political phenomenon from its practical consequences. The AfD's polling strength does not immediately change federal law, but it does signal a political mood that can influence how immigration and integration are discussed at every level of government.
Regional governments in Germany have meaningful influence over how integration programmes are funded and delivered, how local authorities interact with foreign residents, and the general tone of public debate around immigration. A strong AfD result in Saxony-Anhalt could:
It is worth noting that your legal rights as a foreign national in Germany — your Aufenthaltstitel, your right to work, your access to Krankenversicherung — are set by federal law and are not directly altered by a regional election result. However, policy over time can shift if far-right parties gain sustained influence.
Saxony-Anhalt is one of several eastern German states where the AfD has reached or exceeded this kind of polling level in recent years. The September 6 election will be watched closely not just in Germany but across Europe, as a signal of how durable far-right support has become in one of the EU's largest democracies.
For expats considering a move to Saxony-Anhalt, or already living there, the political context is one factor among many to weigh. The state, like others in the east, offers lower living costs and a quieter lifestyle compared to major western cities — but the political environment is part of the picture.
No regional election result directly changes your federal residence rights in Germany. Your Aufenthaltstitel and visa status are governed by federal law. That said, if policies change over time at the federal level as a result of sustained far-right influence, future rules could evolve. For any concerns about your specific status, contact your Ausländerbehörde or consult an immigration lawyer.
While the political climate in parts of eastern Germany can feel unwelcoming to some foreign nationals, it is important not to generalise. Many expats and immigrants live without incident across these regions. If you experience discrimination or feel unsafe, organisations such as the Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency) can provide guidance — look up their official contact details to reach them.
Regional governments have some influence over how integration resources are allocated. If anti-immigration parties gain power, funding priorities can shift over time. Stay in contact with your local Integrationskurs provider and the BAMF for the most current information on available programmes.
The AfD's strong showing in Saxony-Anhalt polls is a reminder that Germany's political landscape is shifting in ways that matter for the expat and immigrant community. While your current legal rights are protected under federal law, staying informed is important. Follow the September 6 election results, monitor any policy announcements that follow, and maintain an up-to-date understanding of your own residence and work status. If you have questions about how political changes might affect you, your Ausländerbehörde and qualified immigration lawyers are your most reliable resources.
Source: DW English
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