Charlotte Knobloch, a Holocaust survivor who hid her Jewish identity as a child to survive, has spoken publicly about her shock and alarm following the AfD's victory in Saxony-Anhalt's state election. Speaking to DW, Knobloch described the situation as 'very dangerous'. Her words carry particular weight given her personal history, and they resonate with many minority communities, immigrants, and people of colour living in Germany who are watching the far-right party's electoral advances with growing unease. This article explores what Knobloch said, why the AfD's rise matters for people living in Germany, and what resources exist for those who feel concerned.
Charlotte Knobloch survived the Holocaust by passing as the daughter of non-Jewish farmers, concealing her identity at enormous personal risk. She is one of Germany's most prominent Jewish public figures and a long-standing voice in conversations about antisemitism, democracy, and the lessons of history.
When someone with Knobloch's biography uses the words 'very dangerous' to describe a contemporary political development, it is not a phrase chosen lightly. Her interview with DW signals that prominent figures with direct experience of the consequences of far-right politics in Germany are alarmed by what they are seeing.
The AfD, Germany's main far-right party, secured a victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. The party has built much of its platform around restrictive immigration policies and strong opposition to the arrival of refugees and asylum seekers in Germany. Its repeated electoral successes — particularly in eastern German states — have shifted political debate in the country and put pressure on mainstream parties to adopt harder lines on immigration.
For immigrants, refugees, and people from minority backgrounds living in Germany, the AfD's growing strength is significant for several reasons. The party's rhetoric and policy proposals, if implemented, could affect everything from asylum processing to integration programmes and the day-to-day social climate in communities where the AfD performs strongly.
Electoral gains by the AfD do not immediately change the legal rights of people already living in Germany — laws are set at the federal level and cannot be changed by a single state election. However, the broader political climate matters. Research consistently shows that the visibility of far-right parties in mainstream politics can correlate with increased reported incidents of discrimination and hate crime.
For expats and immigrants, particularly those from non-European backgrounds, those who are visibly Muslim, or those from Jewish communities, this political environment may affect how safe and welcome they feel in certain parts of Germany. Knobloch's public alarm is a reminder that concerns about the direction of German politics are shared across a wide range of communities — not only recent arrivals.
If you experience discrimination or a hate crime in Germany, organisations such as the Amadeu Antonio Stiftung and local anti-discrimination offices (Antidiskriminierungsstelle) can provide support and guidance. Look up their official contact details online.
A state election result does not directly alter federal immigration law or the legal rights of people currently residing in Germany. Your Aufenthaltstitel, visa, or other permit status is governed by federal legislation. For specific questions about how political changes could affect your situation, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or your local Ausländerbehörde.
Germany has formal structures for reporting and addressing discrimination. The federal Antidiskriminierungsstelle (Anti-Discrimination Agency) is one avenue, and many cities have local counselling offices. Look up the official contact details for the body closest to your situation — do not rely on contact information shared informally online, as it may be outdated.
Charlotte Knobloch's warning is a sobering reflection on the current political moment in Germany. For members of minority communities and immigrants living here, it is worth staying informed about political developments, knowing your rights, and being aware of the support organisations available to you. Deutschland4U will continue to monitor how political changes at state and federal level may affect daily life for people living in Germany from abroad.
Source: dw_english
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