AfD Outlines Ambitious 100-Day Agenda Ahead of Saxony-Anhalt Election

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt has presented a detailed 100-day program outlining its intended actions should it lead the state government after the upcoming elections in September. The party, classified by the state's domestic intelligence agency as confirmed right-wing extremist, is currently polling above 40%, significantly ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

At a gathering in Magdeburg, AfD's lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, introduced a ten-point plan focused on rapid policy changes. The core proposals include the termination of state broadcasting contracts, immediate enforcement of deportations, and compulsory community service for asylum seekers, with a preference for centralised accommodation. The party also advocates for placing children of temporary residents into separate classes and establishing security services in schools.

The AfD plans to withdraw public funding from various initiatives, including political party foundations, the 'Demokratie leben' program, and the 'School Without Racism - School With Courage' initiative. Financial support for climate-related projects and gender-related programs would also be discontinued under the proposed agenda.

Administrative reforms are part of the platform, with a pledge to reduce the number of state ministries and to initiate a parliamentary review of the region's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. The AfD also proposes financial incentives, such as a EUR1,500 subsidy for driving licenses for apprentices, alongside symbolic measures like mandating the daily display of the national flag at schools and rebranding the state's image campaign from #moderndenken to #deutschdenken.

Despite these promises, questions remain regarding the feasibility of the AfD's plans. Saxony-Anhalt faces financial constraints, yet the party's agenda includes significant spending commitments, such as a baby welcome grant, free kindergarten places, free school meals, and increased police staffing. In recent media appearances, Siegmund has indicated that the implementation of these benefits would depend on available budgetary flexibility.

The party's policy architects, including Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, suggest that savings could be achieved by cutting support for gender policies, expediting deportations, and restructuring the state's political education center. A new institute for political education and cultural identity would be established to replace the current structure.

Certain AfD proposals go beyond the authority of state governments, notably the plan to abolish the constitutional right to asylum, which would require national legislative changes. The party indicates it would initiate a motion in the Bundesrat to pursue this objective at the federal level.

Meanwhile, the party's leadership has faced internal controversies. During the Magdeburg convention, prominent AfD members were re-elected to key posts despite recent reports of nepotism. State chairman Martin Reichardt, whose family members have held contracts within the party, secured almost 89% support. Reichardt has faced scrutiny over public appearances, but has denied any inappropriate conduct. Tobias Rausch, who reportedly employed footballers from his club in his parliamentary office, was elected as General Secretary with around 80% backing. Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, recently reported to have employed former Brandenburg AfD leader Andreas Kalbitz, was confirmed as deputy chairman with 86% support. Lead candidate Siegmund, whose father works for an AfD Bundestag member, was retained as a board member with over 99% approval.

With the election approaching, the AfD's ability to implement its proposed reforms will depend not only on its electoral success but also on the composition of the state parliament and the legal boundaries governing state-level policymaking.