As Saxony-Anhalt prepares to go to the polls, Germany's churches have stepped into the political debate — publicly warning against the far-right AfD and its agenda. Church leaders have specifically cautioned against downplaying what they describe as the party's "ethnonationalist" character. With the AfD leading polls ahead of the state election, this intervention by major religious institutions reflects growing concern across civil society about what a far-right state government could mean — particularly for immigrants, minorities, and anyone who does not fit the AfD's vision of who belongs in Germany.
Church leaders in Germany have issued a clear public statement ahead of the Saxony-Anhalt election, warning voters not to underestimate or ignore the AfD's "ethnonationalist" agenda. The term refers to a political ideology that ties national identity to ethnicity — a framing that, critics argue, leaves little room for the diverse, multicultural reality of modern Germany.
This is not a casual political comment. Churches in Germany carry significant moral and civic weight, and their decision to speak out ahead of an election signals that they view the stakes as unusually high. The warning is directed at the risk of the AfD leading a state government for the first time since World War II.
For immigrants and expats in Germany, the AfD's rise in eastern states is not an abstract political story — it has real-world implications. An "ethnonationalist" agenda, as described by the church leaders, is one that could influence how public discourse frames foreigners, how local institutions treat non-German residents, and what kind of political environment immigrants navigate on a daily basis.
It is important to be clear: your legal rights as a resident in Germany are governed by federal law and are not automatically changed by a state election. Your Aufenthaltstitel, access to Krankenversicherung, and other entitlements remain in place. However, the political tone of a state — and the priorities its government sets — can affect the experience of living there, including the responsiveness of local Ausländerbehörde offices and the availability of integration support.
The church intervention also reflects a broader pattern of civil society mobilization in Germany against far-right political movements. Organizations working in anti-discrimination, refugee support, and integration have increasingly felt the need to be vocal about protecting the rights and dignity of people with migrant backgrounds.
Immigration law in Germany is set at the federal level. A state government, even one led by the AfD, cannot unilaterally change who is allowed to stay in Germany or on what terms. However, states do have discretion in how they administer and resource local services — including the Ausländerbehörde, Integrationskurs programs, and Jobcenter offices. These day-to-day interactions matter enormously for people navigating life as an immigrant.
According to the church leaders cited in this coverage, the term refers to a political agenda that defines national belonging in ethnic terms. Church leaders — who work with diverse communities including refugees and migrants — have warned that normalizing such an agenda poses risks to social cohesion and to the dignity of people who do not fit that narrow definition. Their objection is both ethical and civic.
The Saxony-Anhalt election and the church response to the AfD's polling position are part of a wider story about Germany's political direction — and it is one that expats and immigrants have good reason to follow. Whatever the result, your federal legal rights remain the foundation of your life in Germany. But staying informed about the political climate, knowing your rights, and connecting with support organizations matters too. If you have concerns about discrimination or your specific situation, seek advice from a qualified lawyer or look up official contact details for anti-discrimination bodies in your area.
Source: dw_english
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