With a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt approaching, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a stark warning: an AfD victory would, in his words, seriously damage the eastern German state. For immigrants and expats — whether they live in Saxony-Anhalt or are simply watching Germany's political direction — this is a moment worth paying close attention to. The AfD's positions on migration and integration have long been a source of concern for foreign nationals in Germany, and a regional government led by the far-right party could signal a shift in how local authorities interact with immigrant communities.
Chancellor Merz made his warning ahead of next week's election in Saxony-Anhalt, according to DW. He said that an AfD victory would seriously damage the eastern German state — a significant statement from a sitting chancellor about a party represented in many regional parliaments.
The AfD has consistently taken a hard line on migration, advocating for strict border controls and reductions in the number of foreign nationals living in Germany. A regional government led or strongly influenced by the AfD could affect how local services are delivered to immigrants, how integration programmes are funded, and what the general social climate looks like for people who were not born in Germany.
While regional governments do not set national immigration law, they do control a range of services that matter to foreign nationals: housing allocation for asylum seekers, Ausländerbehörde staffing and priorities, local Integrationskurs provision, and the tone of public discourse in the state.
It is important to be clear about what regional governments can and cannot do. Immigration law, Aufenthaltstitel decisions, and BAMF processes are governed at the federal level. An AfD-led state government in Saxony-Anhalt cannot unilaterally deport people or strip residence permits.
However, the practical environment for immigrants could shift. Regional governments influence how local authorities prioritise resources, how welcoming public institutions feel to foreign nationals, and whether integration programmes receive political and financial support. The symbolic effect also matters: political leadership sets a tone, and a far-right government can embolden discrimination even without changing any laws.
If you live in Saxony-Anhalt or are considering moving there, it is worth monitoring how the election outcome affects local policies over the coming months.
No. Immigration law in Germany is a federal matter. Decisions about visas, residence permits, and asylum are made at the federal level and administered through BAMF and the Ausländerbehörde. A state government cannot override these rules. However, states do have influence over how local services are delivered, how integration is supported, and the general administrative environment.
Your legal residency status is determined by federal law and your individual Aufenthaltstitel — not by which party runs a state government. That said, the political climate and local services can be affected by regional election outcomes. If you have concerns about your specific situation, consulting your Ausländerbehörde or an immigration lawyer is always advisable.
The Saxony-Anhalt election is a significant moment in German regional politics. Chancellor Merz's warning reflects how seriously mainstream politicians are taking the possibility of an AfD government in the east. For immigrants and expats, the key is to stay informed, understand the difference between federal immigration law and regional policy, and know where to turn for reliable guidance.
Keep an eye on results and follow reputable news sources for updates on how the new government — whoever leads it — approaches issues affecting foreign nationals. For questions about your own status, contact your Ausländerbehörde or seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer.
Source: DW English
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