The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has unveiled a detailed action plan for the first 100 days in office, should it win the upcoming elections in Saxony-Anhalt, a state in eastern Germany. The elections are set for September 6, and current polls show AfD significantly ahead of the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
In addition to Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD is also leading in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where elections will coincide two weeks later with those in Berlin. Historically, the AfD has not been part of any governing coalition due to traditional parties’ refusal to work with the far-right, a stance described as a “protective wall.” However, last week’s survey indicated the party could secure 41% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, indicating a potential absolute majority when considering vote redistribution from parties not reaching the threshold.
AfD’s Proposed Measures in Saxony-Anhalt
Ulrich Siegemund, AfD’s candidate for the premiership of Saxony-Anhalt, presented the party’s priorities, which include expanding detention centers for immigrants and implementing a mandatory work program for asylum seekers. The 100-day plan also features special classes for children of asylum seekers and the introduction of security agents in what the party terms “troubled schools.”
Additionally, the AfD aims to terminate state broadcasting agreements and cut funding for party-affiliated foundations and democracy programs. A controversial aspect of their plan includes the prohibition of the rainbow flag, a symbol associated with the LGBT community, alongside a push to display the national flag of Germany in schools.
“People want political change,” Siegemund stated. “All other parties are only concerned about us now; they have no positions of their own,” he added. However, some experts believe that the proposed measures may face significant legal and logistical hurdles.
AfD Leader Accused of Nazi Salute
Martin Reichardt was re-elected to lead the AfD branch in Saxony-Anhalt, receiving 191 votes in favor and 23 against. He has been the party’s regional president since 2018 and serves in the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament. Recently, Reichardt has been embroiled in controversy after being accused by an investigative podcast of performing a Nazi salute in the presence of fellow party members.
A photograph from 2020, circulated by the podcast Politico’s “Inside the AfD,” shows Reichardt extending his left arm in the salute. Following the revelation, several politicians have called for his resignation.
