{
  "id": 12298264,
  "title": "Far-right election win leaves migrants questioning their future in eastern Germany",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/far-right-election-win-leaves-migrants-questioning-their-future-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T04:09:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/10/05/far-right-election-win-leaves-migrants-questioning-their-future-in-eastern-germany"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Since the far-right Alternative for Germany party won a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt last month, many migrants living in eastern Germany are now questioning their future. Ola Akhras, a doctor from Syria, and her husband, for instance, frequently debate whether they should return to their home country. The newly elected state legislature in Magdeburg is set to elect its speaker during its first meeting, with the AfD hoping for a symbolic victory.\n\nThe mood has changed drastically in Germany since welcoming over a million migrants from war-torn nations like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan under Chancellor Angela Merkel. However, as economic issues such as slow growth, high inflation, and rising energy prices have worsened, public sentiment towards the newcomers has turned hostile. The AfD and its critics blame migrants for Germany's problems.\n\nThe AfD party, which has gained rapid support in eastern Germany's economically weaker regions, capitalized on the discontent and became the strongest opposition party in parliament. Its victory in Saxony-Anhalt highlights its ability to exploit concerns beyond its primary focus of curbing immigration. Although the party may not form the next government in the state, many immigrants and refugees fear that if it were to lead the state government, they might face more deportations and restrictions on asylum seeker admissions.\n\nUndra Dressler, executive director of the Saxony-Anhalt State Network of Migrant Organizations, emphasizes that counseling centers are overwhelmed with people seeking support as they fear the impending change. Mohamad Aldabagh, a pharmacist from Syria, remains determined to stay in Germany despite the growing hostility and racism. He acknowledges that he has experienced racism but believes that skilled workers like himself and foreign doctors have built a positive life in Germany.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Germany's far-right AfD bids to take helm of state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/germanys-far-right-afd-bids-to-take-helm-of-state-parliament-in",
        "published": "2026-10-06T06:45:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}