The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s decisive victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election has triggered widespread alarm across Germany, with particular concern voiced among the nation’s Turkish community. The far-right party secured 43.8% of the vote, marking a significant political shift that has left many residents of Turkish descent fearing for their future.
Gökay Sofuoglu, co-chair of the Turkish Community in Germany (TGD), reported that the initial reaction from Turkish business owners in the region was one of shock. Some entrepreneurs considered closing their operations and leaving not just Saxony-Anhalt, but Germany entirely. However, Sofuoglu noted that emotions have since settled, with many now choosing to wait and see how the new government is formed before making any decisions.
Sofuoglu emphasized that while the immediate concern for his community is personal safety and stability, the broader implication is a threat to German democracy itself. He argued that the AfD’s true objective extends beyond its anti-migration rhetoric, aiming instead to undermine the country’s constitutional framework. Despite this, he acknowledged that many Turks view the result primarily as a direct threat to their local communities.
The election results have also sparked fears of a resurgence in nationalist violence. Sofuoglu drew parallels to the National Socialist Underground (NSU), a neo-Nazi terror group responsible for a series of murders over many years, expressing worry that similar attacks could occur without adequate investigation. Nationwide protests against the AfD have already taken place in the wake of Sunday’s election.
Legal experts and academics argue that mere opposition to the party is insufficient. Alaz Sümer, a Berlin-based lawyer and PhD candidate specializing in extreme-right politics, stated that established parties have failed to address the underlying societal problems that enabled the AfD’s rise. “Saying the AfD is dangerous is the easy way out,” Sümer told DW, suggesting that politicians must engage with the grievances of AfD voters to understand the root causes of their support.
For individuals like Irmak, a resident of Leipzig who moved to Germany twelve years ago, the election outcome was distressing but predictable. She attributed the far-right’s success to government policies that have ignored citizens’ needs. Irmak pointed out that structural issues, such as demographic aging and labor shortages, remain unresolved regardless of who forms the government, particularly in eastern states like Saxony-Anhalt.
Discussions regarding a potential ban on the AfD were also addressed. Sümer cautioned that outlawing the party could backfire, potentially strengthening extremist sentiments by driving members into less visible organizations. He urged other political parties to confront the issue of racism directly, noting that the challenges faced by migrants are systemic and not solely created by the AfD.
According to Federal Statistical Office data, Saxony-Anhalt had a population of approximately 2.1 million in 2025. Of this total, roughly 249,000 residents had a migration background, including about 6,120 people of Turkish origin. Across Germany, an estimated 3 million people are of Turkish descent.
Finally, someone admits that just saying ‘AfD is dangerous’ isn’t enough. We need to address root causes.
It’s shocking they gained nearly half the vote. This isn’t just about migration; it’s a deeper democratic crisis.
Banning the AfD feels like a bad idea. Driving extremism underground rarely works long-term.
My family is terrified. We’ve called this home for decades, yet we still feel like outsiders after this result.
I worry about the economy more than politics. Our labor shortages are real, regardless of who wins.