AfD candidate links Israeli arms maker to future deportation operations in Saxony-Anhalt
AfD top candidate Ulrich Siegmund said weapons from a potential Elbit Systems plant could support upcoming deportation efforts, sparking criticism.
At a Magdeburg Landtag press event, Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, connected the prospective arrival of Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems to the tools needed for a future "remigration" and deportation campaign. He clarified that the party does not oppose weapons production per se, but distinguishes between domestic security uses and exporting arms to foreign conflicts. The suggestion has provoked local opposition from the BSW, whose chairman Fabio de Masi denounced the remarks as a desperate provocation.
AfD defence expert Rüdiger Lucassen argued that the Bundeswehr could be called upon under Article 35 of the Basic Law to provide air transport for deportations, a role traditionally handled by the Bundespolizei. While the AfD says it is monitoring the Sangerhausen project and will assess production details, it has not yet taken a definitive position.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 2h later
Why it matters
The comments tie foreign arms production to domestic deportation policy, raising ethical and security concerns.
How this story developed
- Sep 6 AfD poised for historic win as Saxony-Anhalt election draws massive voter turnout
- Sep 6 The CDU publicly acknowledges a severe loss in the Saxony‑Anhalt election.
- Sep 7 Final seat projections released showing AfD with 39 seats and CDU with 16 seats.
- Sep 7 Final results confirm the Landtag has 83 members, the CDU holds 15 seats and the BSW secured five seats while signalling willingness to cooperate on selected issues.
- Sep 8 Günter Krings, a member of the German Bundestag, described the recent Saxony-Anhalt vote as far worse than expected, with the AfD securing 43.8% of the ballots. He argued the CDU should not entertain discussions about replacing Chancellor Friedrich Merz so soon after the far-right's victory. Krings urged the party to focus on rebuilding its credibility and blamed EU decisions for part of voter anger. The CDU’s share fell to 17.2%, roughly half of its previous support.
- Sep 9 Former US president Donald Trump praised the Alternative for Germany (AfD) after its impressive result in Saxony-Anhalt, blaming the country's immigration policies.
- Sep 9 Trump posted a congratulatory message to the AfD on Truth Social after the Saxony‑Anhalt results.
- Sep 9 Merz and AfD leader Alice Weidel clashed in a Bundestag budget debate following the Saxony‑Anhalt result.
- Sep 10 A new Insa poll shows the CDU sliding sharply in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, while the SPD narrows the gap with the AfD and smaller parties risk missing the threshold.
- Sep 10 Claudia Obert resigned from the CDU and Tino Schomann publicly demanded Merz’s resignation.
- Sep 11 Only the BSW agreed to talks as all other parties declined, and Chancellor Merz rebuked Donald Trump’s congratulatory post.
- Sep 11 A new poll confirms the AfD’s continued lead while the CDU’s support keeps slipping.
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