The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, classified as far-right by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Germany, emerging as the leading party in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections, has caused concern among immigrant and minority communities in the country.

The Turkish Community in Germany (TGD), in a statement made after the election results, called for the safety of immigrants and Muslims in particular, as well as Jews, LGBTI+ individuals, and other social groups targeted by the far-right, to be secured with stronger and more permanent measures.

TGD: "Election results increased people's security concerns"

TGD Co-Chair Mehtap Çağlar stated that the election results should not be evaluated solely based on the vote percentages received by political parties, and pointed out that security concerns have increased in a significant segment of society.

Çağlar stated that it is important whether children and families feel safe in their daily lives, and used the expressions, "People are wondering if their children can go to school without fear, if they are safe on the streets, and if they still feel a sense of belonging in this country."

Sofuoğlu Calls on Government for Security and Protection

TGD Co-Chair Gökay Sofuoğlu, for his part, called on the federal government and the Saxony-Anhalt state administration, requesting the strengthening of counseling, protection, and prevention services for victims of racist, antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-LGBTI+ attacks.

Sofuoğlu emphasized that political threats should not be waited to turn into physical violence, and stated that reliable, accessible, and adequate support mechanisms should be established for victims to turn to.

"Those Who Don't Want Us Will Actually Need Us"

TGD pointed out that the far-right and exclusionary political rhetoric represented by the AfD poses serious risks not only for social peace but also for the economic and demographic future of Saxony-Anhalt.

TGD, pointing out that a labor shortage of approximately 200,000 people is expected to occur in the state within the next 10 years, stated that the exclusion of immigrants and different social groups could also negatively affect the state's economic future.

Mehtap Çağlar stated that people not feeling safe due to their origins, beliefs, or sexual identities would threaten the future of Saxony-Anhalt, and used the following expressions:

"Alienating people from the country or society harms Saxony-Anhalt itself. Our families, our jobs, our friendships, and our homes are here. Those who don't want us will actually need us. Above all, it is the constitutional duty of the state to protect us."

TGD's AfD Warning to Democratic Parties

The Turkish Community in Germany also called on all democratic parties in Saxony-Anhalt for the protection of the "political wall" created against political cooperation and concessions with the AfD.

Gökay Sofuoğlu stated that democratic responsibility is not limited to respecting election results, and emphasized that the protection of people who become targets, especially during periods of increased political pressure and threats, is of great importance.

TGD stated that federal and state-level institutions should take more effective measures for the protection of democratic values, human rights, and social equality in Germany.

Baba Agency / BERLIN