After State Election, Eastern Germany Commissioner Warns AfD Victory Could Hurt Economy

The AfD’s election victory in Saxony-Anhalt could carry economic costs for eastern Germany, the federal government’s commissioner for the region, Elisabeth Kaiser, has warned.

Speaking at the East German Business Day in Potsdam, Kaiser said continued economic growth would require investment from Germany and abroad, as well as well-trained workers. Those conditions, she said, depend on political stability.

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When a party becomes the strongest force while radically questioning our democracy and the European internal market, that scares off investors.

“When a party becomes the strongest force while radically questioning our democracy and the European internal market, that scares off investors,” Kaiser said, according to her prepared remarks. “The party’s openly xenophobic slogans are even less of an invitation to workers from abroad.”

The AfD won Sunday’s election in Saxony-Anhalt by a large margin but did not secure an absolute majority. Its lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, is nevertheless seeking a stable majority.

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The party’s openly xenophobic slogans are even less of an invitation to workers from abroad.

Kaiser said parties in the democratic center must show that the transition toward greater climate protection can benefit people in eastern Germany. She also called on business leaders in the region to take a clear position. “Racism and xenophobia have no place in our companies or on our streets,” she said.

Kaiser said eastern Germany has a strong industrial base, excellent universities and research institutions, and internationally successful companies. To secure long-term success, she argued, the region must mobilize more private investment through reduced bureaucracy, faster approval procedures and increased digitalization. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will elect a new state parliament on September 20.

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Racism and xenophobia have no place in our companies or on our streets.