The AfD's lead candidate in the Saxony-Anhalt state, Ulrich Siegmund, has sparked fierce criticism with remarks about the possible use of military equipment in a future "remigration and deportation offensive".
The background is the planned establishment of a production site of the Israeli defence company Elbit Systems in Sangerhausen. At a press conference, Siegmund drew a link between the production of armaments, domestic security and the migration policy his party is pursuing.
Siegmund initially stated that the AfD did not fundamentally oppose the production of armaments. Arms production could, among other things, be important for domestic security, the stability of the country and national defence. He then referred to his party's migration policy objectives.
"The production of military equipment was not being demonised across the board," he said, because suitable means would be needed later for "remigration and deportation offensives."
Following the criticism that ensued, Siegmund clarified his remarks.
