What does Saxony-Anhalt's election mean for migrants?

The Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6 could make history. For the first time, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) could become the strongest party in a German state by winning the vote.

The AfD is currently leading the polls at over 40% , far ahead of the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) of Chancellor Friedrich Merz at around 24%.

The AfD advocates a restrictive immigration policy centered on sharply reducing migration , increasing deportations and promoting what it calls "remigration," while also emphasizing national sovereignty, cultural identity and traditional family values.

Many people with a migration background consider the Saxony-Alhalt election to be more than a political choice of direction.

Awet Tesfaiesus, a member of the Bundestag for the Greens who was born in Eritrea, emphasizes this point. She said the election is "not just any election for Black people and other people who experience racism."

"When racist and ethno-nationalist positions become stronger, the question for them becomes very concrete: How safe can I feel here, and will I be recognized as a natural part of this society?" Tesfaiesus told DW.

Karamba Diaby knows these concerns well. The former center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) member of the Bundestag , who was born in Senegal and has lived in Saxony-Anhalt for decades, told DW about growing uncertainty.

"When I am in school classes or visiting migrant organizations, I keep hearing the question, especially from younger people: 'Can we continue to stay in this country?'”