German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stepped into the Saxony-Anhalt state election campaign to deliver a pointed warning against the AfD, a party whose immigration and deportation policy positions are closely watched by expats and immigrants across Germany. The appearance is notable because the CDU's own lead candidate in the state had been publicly distancing himself from Merz and federal politics — yet the two came together for a joint event. For anyone living in Germany on a residence permit or in the process of naturalization, the electoral fortunes of the AfD at state level can have real downstream effects on political pressure around immigration law.
Merz and CDU state lead candidate Schulze appeared together publicly in Saxony-Anhalt despite an unusual internal dynamic: Schulze had been running a campaign that sought to separate itself from the federal CDU leadership and broader national politics. Their joint appearance signalled at least a temporary closing of ranks ahead of the vote.
Merz used the platform to issue a clear warning about the AfD, describing potential AfD governance as a "Wutbürger" (angry citizen) experiment — language suggesting he views an AfD-led or AfD-influenced government as an unpredictable and risky outcome for the state.
State-level elections in Germany matter beyond regional politics. State governments influence how federal immigration law is implemented on the ground, including how Ausländerbehörden are staffed and resourced, how integration programmes are funded, and the political signals sent to federal coalition partners.
The AfD has consistently advocated for significantly stricter immigration controls, faster deportations, and restrictions on pathways to permanent residency and Einbürgerung. When the party performs strongly in state elections, it shifts the political centre of gravity on these issues even in states where it does not govern.
For expats monitoring Germany's political landscape, watching how established parties like the CDU respond to AfD pressure — and how voters in individual states respond at the ballot box — provides an important indicator of where national immigration policy may head in coming years.
The Saxony-Anhalt campaign also illustrates a recurring challenge for the CDU: how to appeal to voters in eastern German states, where the AfD polls strongly, without alienating the broader national electorate or undermining the federal government's policy agenda. Schulze's initial distancing from Merz reflects a local calculation that federal CDU branding can be a liability in some eastern state contests.
Merz's decision to appear anyway and double down on his anti-AfD message suggests the federal party leadership believes a clear line against the AfD is ultimately the stronger electoral and political strategy — a stance that, if it holds, would tend to preserve rather than erode existing immigration and integration frameworks.
No state election result automatically changes individual residence permits or visa conditions — those are governed by federal law. However, state governments influence how federal rules are applied locally and can shape political pressure on future federal legislation. If you have concerns about your specific permit status, consult your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified immigration lawyer.
The AfD has publicly advocated for stricter border controls, accelerated deportations, and tighter restrictions on pathways to permanent residence and citizenship. These are stated policy positions; what is actually legislated depends on coalition dynamics and federal law. BAMF remains the authoritative source for current immigration rules.
The Saxony-Anhalt campaign and Merz's anti-AfD warning are worth monitoring for anyone invested in the direction of German immigration and integration policy. While no immediate action is required for most expats, staying informed about state election results and the resulting shifts in political debate is a practical way to anticipate the broader policy environment.
If you have specific concerns about how political changes might affect your residence status or naturalization process, the best step is to consult your Ausländerbehörde or seek advice from a recognised immigration law professional.
Source: tagesschau
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