The AfD’s victory in Saxony-Anhalt is causing anxiety among people of Turkish origin in the Region. At the same time, most are convinced that the need for foreign workers will continue – despite the shift to the right.
The success of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which won almost half of the votes in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections, has caused concern across the country. People of Turkish origin in Germany are particularly worried. The co-chair of the Turkish Community in Germany (TGD), reports on his personal meetings with shop owners in Saxony-Anhalt. “After the AfD’s success, some thought about closing their businesses and leaving Saxony-Anhalt first, and then Germany,” he told DW. These are the first emotional reactions. After all, it is difficult for people to give up their lives in a country and everything they have built up and leave overnight. “We had another opportunity to talk to some of them. They are waiting – that is, waiting until a government is formed,” he explains.
“A PROBLEM FOR ALL OF GERMANY”
People of Turkish origin in the state see the rise of the AfD “as a problem for Germany as a whole.” The development must be considered not only from the perspective of migrants, but also in relation to German democracy, says Sofuoğlu. Ultimately, Germany’s future stability is at stake. According to Sofuoğlu, while the AfD uses migration as a political tool, its real goal is the German constitution and democracy. Many people of Turkish origin see the development more from their own perspective, he believes. “Despite the fact that the rise of the AfD will affect us – overall it is an anti-democratic development that must be opposed together with all democratic forces.”
Added to this is the fear of a further increase in right-wing violence. “There is a fear that attacks like those by the NSU could increase in the coming days, and that the underlying causes will not be investigated further,” says Sofuoğlu.
“WORRYING ALONE DOES NOT ACHIEVE ANYTHING”
However, concerns about a further increase in right-wing violence are only part of the debate. Alaz Sümer, a lawyer and migration expert, warns against simply expressing concern. “I don’t believe that mere concern alone achieves anything. The underlying causes need to be taken into account,” he told DW.
“I think the established parties have not properly addressed the problems that allowed the AfD to win at such a high level.” Sümer came to Germany nine years ago to study. Today, he is pursuing a doctorate on right-wing extremist parties and advises people from the immigrant community on the recognition of qualifications earned abroad. Looking back on developments in recent years, he adds: “To say ‘AfD is bad, AfD is dangerous’ is easy. We already know that.”
“SUCCESS WAS PREDICTABLE”
Irmak Boztürk – a name we have changed at her request – also lived in East Germany for many years. Twelve years ago she came to Leipzig to study. She finds the AfD’s victory worrying but not surprising. “It was predictable that the far-right would achieve a high result and emerge as the strongest party in the elections – but the government’s policies, which are distant from the citizens, paved the way for this result. However, the rise of the AfD does not change Germany’s structural problems,” said Boztürk. “Even with a change of government, the need for workers and young people will not change – especially not in a state with such an elderly population as Saxony-Anhalt.”
POSSIBILITY OF BANNING THE AfD?
Meanwhile, lawyer Sümer urges caution when dealing with the AfD. The party is at its most radical right-wing and is now “a reality in Germany.” According to him, a ban on the party would strengthen right-wing extremists. If the AfD were banned, a new party would be founded, while right-wing extremist forces could merge with underground organizations. Sümer believes that this would make Germany “even more uninhabitable” for immigrants. Instead, he places importance on talking to AfD voters and understanding their motives. The problem of racism in Germany is bigger than the AfD itself. The problems immigrants face are not limited to the party.
HOW MANY TURKS LIVE IN SAXONY-ANHALT?
According to the Federal Statistical Office, in 2025 there were around 249,000 people with a migrant background living in Saxony-Anhalt, which has around two million inhabitants, including 6,120 people of Turkish origin. Multiple sources estimate the number of people of Turkish origin nationwide to be three to four million. (DW)