AfD in Power: What It Could Mean for Germany's Civil Rights and Immigrants

Introduction

Germany's political landscape is shifting, and for immigrants, minorities, and expats, one of the most closely watched developments is the growing electoral strength of the AfD. A recent analysis explores a concrete scenario: what would happen if the AfD formed a state government in Saxony-Anhalt? The focus is on the Verfassungsschutz — Germany's domestic intelligence agency — and how an AfD-led administration could reshape its priorities and its extensive information-sharing with other states and federal bodies. For anyone living in Germany as a foreigner, understanding these dynamics is important context for your rights and your daily safety.

The AfD and the Verfassungsschutz: Why It Matters

The Verfassungsschutz (literally "protection of the constitution") is Germany's domestic intelligence service, operating at both federal and state levels. State offices share data intensively with each other and with the federal agency. The AfD itself has been classified as a "proven right-wing extremist organisation" by Germany's federal Verfassungsschutz — meaning the agency monitors the party.

If the AfD were to control a state government, it would gain direct authority over that state's Verfassungsschutz office. This raises serious questions: Could an AfD-led state government redirect intelligence resources away from monitoring far-right networks? Could it obstruct information-sharing that other states rely on? Could it use the agency's tools against political opponents or civil society groups that advocate for migrant rights?

These are not hypothetical concerns — they are being actively debated by constitutional lawyers, political scientists, and journalists in Germany right now.

What Could Change for Immigrants and Minorities

For immigrants and people of colour living in Germany, the implications go beyond abstract politics. The Verfassungsschutz plays a role in tracking far-right extremist groups that have carried out violent attacks against foreigners and minority communities in Germany. Any weakening of this monitoring capacity in a state could have real consequences for community safety.

Additionally, if an AfD-led state government pursues more aggressive immigration enforcement — as the party's platform promises — residents in that state could face increased scrutiny of their residence status, more frequent identity checks, or a less accessible Ausländerbehörde. These are practical, day-to-day risks that would affect people with valid residence permits, asylum seekers, and naturalised citizens alike.

The Broader Federal Picture

One of the key points raised by the analysis is that Germany's intelligence system is deeply interconnected. A single state government cannot simply "opt out" of federal oversight structures, but it can slow down cooperation, create blind spots, or shift internal priorities. Other states that rely on Saxony-Anhalt's data contributions would feel the effects.

For the wider expat community, this is a reminder that immigration policy in Germany is shaped not only at the federal level but also by state governments, which control their own Ausländerbehörden, police forces, and parts of the integration system. Who governs at the state level matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AfD being in power in one state affect my residence permit?

Your Aufenthaltstitel is governed by federal law (the Aufenthaltsgesetz), so the basic legal framework does not change based on which party controls a state. However, state governments influence how that law is applied locally — through how the Ausländerbehörde is staffed and resourced, how quickly applications are processed, and what discretionary decisions officials make. In practice, the political environment in a state can affect how welcoming or difficult the experience is for foreign residents.

Is the AfD actually likely to lead a state government soon?

The AfD has polled strongly in several eastern German states. While coalition dynamics make it difficult for the AfD to form a government (other parties have so far refused to govern with them), the political situation is evolving. It is a scenario that German media and analysts are taking seriously enough to model its consequences in detail.

What can I do if I experience discrimination or feel unsafe?

If you experience discrimination based on your origin or ethnicity in Germany, you have the right to file a complaint with the Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency). For safety concerns related to far-right activity, contact local police or reach out to organisations such as the Amadeu Antonio Stiftung, which supports victims of right-wing violence.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The scenario of an AfD-led state government is not yet reality, but it is a serious enough possibility that it deserves attention from anyone building a life in Germany. Stay informed about regional elections, understand that state politics affect your daily experience as a foreign resident, and know your rights and the organisations that can support you. Deutschland4U will continue to monitor political developments that directly affect the expat and immigrant community.

Source: Tagesschau