Germany's political landscape shifted again on Sunday as far-right and far-left parties made notable gains in state elections, dealing what observers are calling another serious blow to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. For expats and immigrants living in Germany, elections at the state level are not just domestic politics — they shape the parties that control regional governments responsible for housing, integration programmes, and local implementation of immigration law. Understanding what these results signal is important for anyone whose life in Germany depends on stable, predictable policy.
Voters in two German states went to the polls on Sunday, and exit polls and results indicated meaningful gains for both the far-right and far-left ends of the political spectrum. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, already described as embattled, acknowledged the results as a significant setback — though he has vowed to stay the course and continue governing at the federal level.
The outcome continues a trend seen in recent German elections: mainstream parties losing ground to more radical alternatives on both sides of the political spectrum. This pattern has created a more fragmented parliament and made coalition-building more difficult, slowing down legislation at both state and federal levels.
State governments in Germany hold real power over how federal immigration and integration policies are applied on the ground. Ausländerbehörde offices, Integrationskurs provision, local Jobcenter operations, and housing allocation for asylum seekers all fall under varying degrees of state and local authority. When the political composition of a state government changes, priorities in these areas can shift too.
Far-right gains in particular tend to be accompanied by calls for stricter border controls, tougher deportation enforcement, and reduced access to social benefits for non-citizens. While federal law ultimately governs most immigration rules, the tone and pace of local implementation can change significantly under different administrations.
Far-left gains, on the other hand, are often associated with more expansive social support policies and stronger protections for migrants and asylum seekers — though translating campaign promises into policy also depends on coalition dynamics.
For now, Chancellor Merz has signalled he intends to remain in office and continue his government's programme, meaning federal-level policy direction is unlikely to change immediately as a result of these state results alone.
The most practical impact of these results will unfold over weeks and months, not overnight. Key things to monitor include:
If you hold a residence permit or are in the process of an Einbürgerung application, it is worth staying informed, but there is no immediate action required based on these election results alone.
Your Aufenthaltstitel is governed by federal law, which does not change as a direct result of state elections. However, state governments influence how local Ausländerbehörde offices are resourced and prioritised, which can affect processing times and local practices. For concerns about your specific situation, contact your Ausländerbehörde or consult a qualified immigration lawyer.
State governments cannot unilaterally override federal immigration law, but they do have discretion in areas such as enforcement priorities, integration programme funding, and social services administration. Policy changes at state level are possible over time, but any significant shift in federal immigration law would need to go through the Bundestag.
There is no immediate indication that existing entitlements will change. If you are concerned about your specific benefits or course access, contact your Jobcenter or the body administering your Integrationskurs for up-to-date information.
Sunday's state election results add another layer of political uncertainty to Germany's already complex governance landscape. For expats and immigrants, the immediate practical impact is limited — federal immigration law remains in place and Chancellor Merz has said he will continue governing. However, the direction of travel in German politics is worth watching closely, particularly for anyone whose residency, work rights, or access to social services could be affected by future policy changes.
Stay informed through reliable sources, and if you have specific concerns about your immigration status or benefits, seek advice from your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified legal professional.
Source: The Local
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