Far-Right Victory in Thuringia Raises Concerns for Migrants

The recent electoral success of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Thuringia, where the party secured nearly 33% of the vote, has heightened anxiety among migrants, Arab News reported yesterday. Many fear that rising nationalism will lead to increased racism and hostility, particularly towards those who visibly represent diversity, such as women in headscarves.

The AfD’s victory marks a significant moment in German politics, being the first far-right party to gain such traction since World War II. Nearly half of Thuringia’s voters supported either the AfD or the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, which calls for stricter asylum policies.

This political shift has coincided with a surge in hate crimes, which rose nearly 50% in 2023, largely linked to right-wing extremism. As public sentiment shifts and migration policies are debated, many migrants are left feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future in the region.