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As Germany prepares for its upcoming national elections, a significant development has emerged from the political sphere. Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), has made a startling call for the mass deportation of immigrants, drawing considerable attention as the party unveils its election program.
In an impassioned address to her supporters in Riesa, a small town in Saxony, eastern Germany, Weidel proclaimed that if the AfD gains power—backed by a substantial 20 percent in the polls—Germany would witness “large-scale repatriations.” Her use of the term “remigration” to characterize this controversial policy sparked immediate reactions.
Originally conceptualized by Austrian right-wing ideologue Martin Sellner, “remigration” refers to forcibly deporting immigrants who violate laws or do not assimilate, irrespective of their citizenship. Critics argue this concept closely resembles ethnic cleansing.
During her Saturday speech, Weidel echoed this stance, stating, “If it’s called remigration, then it’s called remigration,” a comment that was met with enthusiastic applause from attendees. Supporters also chanted “Alice für Deutschland,” which echoes the outlawed Nazi-era phrase, “Alles für Deutschland.”
Weidel, who has a background as an analyst for Goldman Sachs, attempts to present a more palatable image of the AfD, which harbors factions deemed as right-wing extremists by the domestic intelligence service in Germany.
Earlier in the week, Weidel joined forces with Elon Musk on a social media platform to highlight what she described as the AfD’s evolution into a mainstream political entity. This party, known for advocating normalized ties with Moscow and opposing wind turbines, faces an uphill battle in gaining government control, as major German parties refuse to form coalitions with it.
Weidel’s endorsement of remigration is viewed by some as a strategic move aligning with Björn Höcke, a leading figure in the radical right wing of the party. Höcke spearheaded the AfD to a groundbreaking victory in the regional elections in Thuringia, eastern Germany, last September.
Kay Gottschalk, a Bundestag member from the party’s more moderate camp, noted this alignment. “It is a concession to Björn Höcke,” he said. “While I might phrase it differently—as ‘sending them back’—this is what the delegates prefer.”
In her speech, Weidel reiterated her controversial positions, including revitalizing the Nord Stream gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, rekindling nuclear power, and criticizing gender studies programs.
The conference’s provocative themes incited significant opposition. An estimated 10,000 protestors gathered against the AfD, leading to a lockdown in Riesa—a town with a population of 30,000—resulting in a two-hour delay of the party event.
