Why Eastern Germany Became a Far-Right Stronghold: What Expats Should Know

Introduction

For expats and immigrants choosing where to settle in Germany, understanding regional political climates is as practical as knowing rent prices or public transport connections. Eastern Germany — and Saxony-Anhalt in particular — has emerged as a stronghold for the far-right AfD, a trend that is throwing the lasting east-west divisions of reunified Germany into sharp relief. More than three decades after reunification in 1990, these divisions remain significant, and a state election in Saxony-Anhalt is making them impossible to ignore.

The East-West Divide More Than Thirty Years On

Germany's reunification in 1990 formally ended the division between the Federal Republic and the former German Democratic Republic. But as reporting from The Local highlights, lasting divisions between east and west have not disappeared — they have evolved. Political attitudes, economic conditions, and social trust in institutions differ markedly between the former East and West Germany in ways that continue to shape electoral outcomes.

The AfD has consistently performed far better in eastern German states than in the west, and Saxony-Anhalt's upcoming election is being watched as a potential marker of just how dominant that support has become. For anyone looking to understand the political landscape they are entering as a newcomer to Germany, this regional pattern matters.

What Drives Far-Right Support in the East?

While the source material does not detail the specific causes, the broader context of post-reunification Germany is widely documented. Eastern regions experienced significant economic disruption following 1990, including deindustrialisation, population loss through emigration to the west, and a persistent sense among some residents of being overlooked or undervalued by the political establishment.

These grievances — real and perceived — have created fertile ground for parties that position themselves as anti-establishment alternatives. The AfD has capitalised on this sentiment, making immigration and national identity central to its platform in a region where the foreign-born population has historically been much smaller than in major western cities.

For immigrants and expats, this context is worth understanding not as a reason to avoid eastern Germany — many people with international backgrounds live and thrive there — but as useful background for navigating the social and political environment.

Living in Eastern Germany as an Expat or Immigrant

Eastern German cities like Leipzig, Dresden, Erfurt, and Halle have growing international communities, universities that attract international students, and increasing economic activity. The political climate at the state level does not automatically define every community or neighbourhood within a state.

However, it is reasonable to be aware that in some parts of eastern Germany, attitudes toward immigration and diversity can differ from what you might encounter in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich. This does not mean you will face hostility — most people's daily lives are far removed from party politics — but it does mean that knowing your rights and having access to support networks matters.

Federal anti-discrimination law applies across all of Germany, including in eastern states. If you experience discrimination, organisations such as the Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency) can provide support — look up their official website for contact details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eastern Germany safe for immigrants and expats?

Eastern Germany is home to hundreds of thousands of immigrants and expats who live, work, and study without incident. Like anywhere in Germany, experiences vary by city, neighbourhood, and individual circumstances. Being informed about the local political climate and knowing which support organisations exist in your area is always sensible, regardless of where you live in Germany.

How does the AfD's strength in the east affect federal immigration policy?

State election results influence the overall political mood in Germany and can affect which parties hold power in the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament that represents state governments. Strong AfD performances in eastern states keep immigration a central topic in national political debate and can shift the positions of other parties. However, fundamental changes to immigration and asylum law require federal legislation, not just state-level politics.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The east-west divide in Germany is a real and ongoing feature of the country's political landscape, and Saxony-Anhalt's election is bringing it into focus. For expats and immigrants, understanding this regional context helps you make better-informed decisions about where to live, what to expect from local political culture, and how to access support if you need it. Stay informed, know your federal rights, and build connections with local communities and support organisations wherever you settle.

Source: The Local