Frank Werneke, the chief of the Verdi trade union, issued a strong warning regarding the potential consequences of a state government led by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt. Speaking to the “Handelsblatt”, he stated that a far-right state government “would be a catastrophe for our entire country.” He emphasized that, more than 80 years after the end of National Socialism, a party that “relativizes the NS crimes, incites against migrants and explicitly aims to abolish democracy, separation of powers, free media, and minority rights” would gain governmental power.
Werneke also foresees serious economic fallout. He pointed out that Saxony-Anhalt is reliant on the influx of skilled and working migrants due to its aging population. Without this immigration, critical public services, such as the healthcare system, would struggle to be maintained. He questioned: “Who would voluntarily move to an AfD federal state?” According to his assessment, an AfD victory would have far-reaching consequences, leading to the exodus of “companies, money, and workers.” Werneke stated emphatically: “Whoever can leave, will leave. And whoever must stay, will suffer.”
The Verdi chief also holds the federal government partially responsible for the rise of the AfD. He attributes the growth of the party to a period of great uncertainty caused by wars, economic instability, and worries about jobs. He criticized the prevailing reform debate, describing it as being “predominantly composed of lists of cuts and the public denigration of citizens.” He concluded that a populist party like the AfD can profit from this climate. “The AfD is not strong, not even in its program-it is made strong,” he observed.
