As regional elections in the eastern German regions of Saxony and Thuringia approach, the far-right AfD party is gaining momentum in the polls, causing concern among refugees. With leaders proposing strict measures to limit immigration and the arrival of asylum seekers, including plans for “zero immigration,” many refugees in Germany are feeling uneasy about their future.
Saxony currently hosts around 37,000 Syrian refugees, while Thuringia has almost 55,000. As anti-immigrant sentiment continues to grow in Germany, some refugees are questioning whether they are still welcome in the country. The AfD party’s promises to create a hostile environment for those who are already well integrated in Germany are adding to these fears.
The rise of far-right parties like the AfD is reflective of a broader trend in Europe, where nationalist movements are gaining traction in response to perceived threats from immigration. Towns in Germany have raised concerns about limited capacity and the strain that hosting a large number of refugees places on resources.
The upcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia will be a pivotal moment for the country, as the results could have far-reaching implications for the future of refugees and immigrants in Germany. As the AfD continues to promote restrictive immigration policies, refugees are left wondering about their place in a country that they may soon no longer recognize as welcoming.
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Video “Refugees worried at rise of Germany’s far-right AfD party ahead of regional elections • FRANCE 24” was uploaded on 08/30/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English