The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is facing backlash after distributing campaign flyers resembling “deportation tickets” in Karlsruhe.
Police in Karlsruhe have launched an investigation into the local AfD branch over the flyers, which have been accused of inciting racial hatred. Styled like airplane tickets, the flyers prominently feature the AfD logo, with “departure: Germany” and “destination: safe country of origin” as fake flight details. Additional phrases on the flyers include “Only remigration can save Germany” and “It’s nice at home too.”
Public complaints and criticism from members of the Left party have fueled controversy around the campaign. Critics argue the flyers were deliberately distributed to households with migration backgrounds to provoke division and xenophobia.
The AfD’s Baden-Württemberg branch defended the campaign, claiming the flyers targeted all eligible voters in Karlsruhe. The party stated that similar templates would be shared with other local branches. However, police confirmed that the materials are under investigation for possible legal violations.
Comparisons to Past Far-Right Campaigns
German media has compared the AfD’s flyer campaign to a 2013 initiative by the National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD), now known as Heimat. The NPD had distributed forged flight tickets reading “From Germany — destination home,” aiming to deter immigrants from running for parliament. The campaign was widely condemned as xenophobic propaganda, sparking nationwide protests.
In response to the backlash, AfD politician Marc Bernhard denied any connection to the NPD’s past actions. He told local media: “We categorically reject any association with an NPD campaign that took place more than a decade ago and is entirely unrelated to us.”
Despite these denials, the flyers align with the AfD’s immigration policies, particularly its advocacy for “remigration.” At a recent party conference in Riesa, chancellor candidate Alice Weidel publicly embraced the term, signaling a shift from her previous stance.
AfD’s Push for “Remigration” Sparks Debate
The term “remigration” refers to the mass deportation of people with migrant backgrounds, though its scope remains unclear. Some reports suggest it may include individuals with legal residency rights. Last year, Weidel distanced herself from the term after it was revealed that an AfD official met with Austrian far-right activist Martin Sellner to discuss “remigrating” legal residents and “non-assimilated” citizens.
The concept has also gained traction in Austria, where hard-right politician Herbert Kickl has championed similar policies. Kickl, who recently won general elections, is now leading coalition talks.
According to the latest INSA poll, the AfD has surged to second place nationally, with 22% of the vote. However, major parties like the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which leads the polls, have ruled out cooperating with the AfD. Without significant political shifts, the party is unlikely to enter government despite its growing support.