Ulrich Siegmund, the leader of the far‑right AfD in the eastern German state of Saxony‑Anhalt and a likely future state premier, said the party does not oppose the production of military equipment in the region because the resources could be needed for planned repatriation and deportation drives.
The AfD, which calls for restoring ties with Russia and describes itself as a “party of peace,” also opposes the record defence spending under party leader Friedrich Merz and military aid to Ukraine. This raises questions about the outlook for the proposed investments in the defence industry in the town of Sangerhausen.
Defense plant in Sangerhausen
During a press conference on Thursday, Ulrich Siegmund reiterated that the AfD does not condemn the production of military equipment per se.
“We do not condemn the production of military equipment in general, because we will naturally need the corresponding resources for future repatriation and deportation drives,” he said, adding that this also serves internal security, national stability and defence interests.
The local public broadcaster MDR reported that the Israeli firm Elbit Systems is negotiating to build a plant in Sangerhausen to manufacture components for other German companies.
City authorities say the site will not produce finished weapons systems, drones or artillery shells. The project could create up to 400 jobs.
Elbit Systems Deutschland told Reuters that it is continuously assessing opportunities for further expansion in Germany, but has not yet selected a location for future projects.
AfD promises deportations “from the first minute”
The AfD, which secured a historic victory in the Saxony‑Anhalt elections but fell short of an absolute majority, is seeking to form a state government. The party has pledged deportations “from the first minute,” citizen patrols and separate classes for refugee children.
Ulrich Siegmund said the AfD is closely monitoring developments in Sangerhausen.
“We want to examine carefully what will be produced, under what conditions, and whether there is a risk that this draws us into foreign conflicts,” he added.
Project could complicate government formation
Support for the project may make the AfD’s negotiations with the left‑wing populist party BSW more difficult. BSW is the only political force that has not ruled out cooperation with the AfD.
The BSW, which like the AfD opposes military aid to Ukraine, is campaigning against the Sangerhausen project and rejects economic arguments in favour of attracting foreign defence manufacturers.
Source: Reuters
