Germany's political landscape is shifting at the state level, and for expats and immigrants living here, state politics are not just background noise. The Saxony-Anhalt state parliament (Landtag) has convened for its inaugural session, and the AfD is making a move that has drawn attention from across the country: the party is attempting to claim the position of parliamentary president for the very first time. For those watching how political power relates to immigration and integration policy in Germany, this moment is worth understanding.
Saxony-Anhalt's newly elected Landtag held its constitutive session — the formal first meeting that organises a newly elected parliament. At this session, the AfD made a bid to have one of its members elected as parliamentary president, a senior and symbolically powerful institutional role. The party has framed this as an opportunity to demonstrate what sources describe as "Regierungsfähigkeit" — the ability to govern responsibly.
This is a notable development because it represents the first time the AfD has pursued such a senior parliamentary office. It signals that the party is moving beyond pure opposition and seeking a foothold in formal institutional structures at the state level.
For immigrants and expats living in Germany, state-level politics have real consequences. State parliaments play a role in shaping local integration programmes, the resourcing of Ausländerbehörden, and the political climate around immigration more broadly. The AfD has historically positioned itself as strongly critical of Germany's immigration and asylum policies.
A party gaining senior institutional roles does not automatically change laws overnight — Germany's federal and coalition-based system includes significant checks and balances. However, a shift in the political tone at the state level can influence how policies are prioritised and how public debate about immigration is conducted.
It is also worth noting that Saxony-Anhalt is one of several eastern German states where the AfD has recorded strong electoral results. Political observers across Germany are watching whether this move sets a precedent for other states.
Claiming a parliamentary presidency is significant beyond symbolism. A parliamentary president chairs sessions, represents the institution publicly, and plays a procedural role in how a parliament operates. For other parties, deciding whether to vote for or against an AfD candidate for this role is itself a politically charged choice.
The fact that this is happening at the constitutive session — before the day-to-day work of the parliament has even begun — shows how much the AfD's institutional ambitions are shaping political dynamics in Germany's east.
State parliaments do not set federal immigration law — that is handled at the federal level through the Bundestag and relevant ministries. However, states have influence over how policies are implemented locally, including how Ausländerbehörden are resourced and how integration programmes are run. A change in political tone at state level can have indirect effects over time.
Your Aufenthaltstitel and other residence rights are governed by federal law and are not directly altered by state election outcomes. That said, if you have concerns about how local authorities are handling your case, it is advisable to consult a qualified immigration lawyer or seek advice from a recognised migrants' advice organisation in your area.
The AfD's bid for its first parliamentary presidency in Saxony-Anhalt is a political milestone that the whole of Germany is watching. For expats and immigrants, the direct short-term impact on legal status is limited, but the longer-term political signals are worth following. Staying informed about German political developments — particularly at the state level — helps you understand the environment you are living in and anticipate changes that could eventually affect integration and immigration services near you.
If you have specific concerns about your rights or residence status, consult your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified immigration adviser.
Source: tagesschau
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