🔶 Controversial remarks by AFD candidate about arms production and refugees

Ulrich Siegmund, a senior figure in the far-right Alternative for Germany (Alternative für Deutschland) party and the likely leader of the next state government of Saxony-Anhalt, defended the prospect of an arms manufacturer operating in this state and said it would be part of his party’s plan to deport migrants.

On Thursday, Siegmund, at a press conference, in response to a question about a possible investment plan by the defense industries in the city of Sangerhausen, said his party is not opposed in general to the production of military equipment.

He said: “We do not generally condemn the production of military equipment, because of course, for the campaigns of bringing back and deporting migrants, we will need appropriate resources.”

Siegmund added that the issue is also linked to “internal security, our own stability, and national defense.”

The remarks come as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) presents itself as a “peace party.”

The party calls for restoring relations with Russia and opposes both record increases in Germany’s defense spending during Friedrich Merz’s chancellorship and Berlin’s military support for Ukraine.

These positions have raised questions about the possible future investment by the defense industries in Sangerhausen.

The local broadcaster MDR has reported that the Israeli company Elbit Systems is in talks to build a factory in Sangerhausen. According to the report, the factory is expected to produce components for German companies.

City officials said that no complete weapon systems, drones, or artillery shells would be produced at the site, and the project could create up to 400 jobs.

On Friday, Elbit Systems Germany told Reuters that it is continuously considering opportunities to expand its activities in Germany, but no location for future development has yet been selected.

The company added that as an old partner it operates in several places in Germany, employs hundreds of German workers, and strengthens its industrial presence in this country.

The anti-immigration AfD is seeking to form a government in Saxony-Anhalt after a historic victory in state elections, although it has not won an absolute majority.

The party has promised that if it forms a government, it will begin deporting migrants “from minute one.”

The party has also spoken about setting up citizen patrols and creating separate classes for refugee children.

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