German police have opened a criminal investigation into an election flyer distributed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
The flyer, styled as a fake airline boarding pass, promotes the deportation of “illegal immigrants” to “safe countries of origin,” sparking outrage.
Alternative for Germany (AfD) party
The flyers, distributed to approximately 30,000 residents in Karlsruhe, were published on the AfD Karlsruhe branch’s website and featured slogans such as: “Only remigration can save Germany” and “It’s nice at home, too”. The boarding pass is dated February 23, 2025, the day of Germany’s federal election.
The flyers align with the AfD’s broader push for “remigration,” a concept promoted by far-right groups advocating the deportation of immigrants and even their descendants. The party’s co-chairwoman Alice Weidel recently discussed mass deportations during a live chat on the social media platform X with Elon Musk.
According to DW, the AfD claimed the flyers were part of a campaign aimed at all eligible voters. However, politicians from the Left Party alleged that the flyers were deliberately placed in the mailboxes of individuals with migration backgrounds.
The Left Party has announced plans to press charges against the AfD. Government officials labelled the campaign as “tasteless.” Karlsruhe police confirmed to The Associated Press that they have launched a criminal investigation on suspicion of incitement to hatred.
Migration in Germany
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser criticised the AfD’s push for mass deportations under the term “remigration,” highlighting the potential harm to Germany’s economy. Speaking to the Rheinische Post, she said, “The fact that the AfD apparently wants to expel people en masse under the term ‘remigration’ shows not only its contempt for humanity, but also how much it would damage Germany as a business location and cost jobs.”
Faeser pointed out that nearly 25 million people in Germany – approximately 30 per cent of the population – have migration backgrounds. She emphasised the significant contributions of immigrants to German society, stating: “[Immigrants] have been an integral part of our society for a long time and keep our country running in many areas – in hospitals and care homes, in businesses and industry. What these people do deserves more respect.”
Data from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) shows asylum applications fell by 30.2 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 250,945 applications submitted. Additionally, the EU’s border agency Frontex reported a decline in irregular border crossings in 2024, according to AP News.
Germany’s election
Germany’s election on February 23 is expected to intensify debates surrounding migration, integration, and the nation’s economic future.
