At the beginning of the election year, the quarreling AfD faction is trying to unite itself: Unlike previous retreats, the MPs adopted a position paper at their winter retreat, in “harmony” and “across the breadth of the faction,” as faction leader Ulrich Singer emphasized on Thursday. In parliamentary group circles, there is talk of a “truce” that should apply until the election between the camps. The AfD wants to distinguish itself with many of its classic and sharpened positions, for example: pro nuclear power, for “wind power ban zones”, against gender language. And she demands an end to sanctions against Russia, including the return of energy supplies from the country. Singer stated that the goal for the election was to become “significantly stronger” (2018: 10.2 percent). Michael Schnedlitz, General Secretary of the Austrian FPÖ, was a guest.
The AfD sees itself inspired by debates about the Berlin New Year’s Eve riots and a survey that again identified migration as an important topic for many citizens. She calls for a new “repatriation center” to speed up deportations. Singer spoke of a “completely uncontrolled immigration model” in Germany. An upper limit for asylum, as recently debated again in the CSU, is not necessary – but simply to prevent illegal entry at the borders. A rigid brand is “voter deception,” said parliamentary group leader Mannes. Franz Bergmüller, also deputy, said: As one of the few master craftsmen in the state parliament, butcher, he advocates immigration of skilled workers through a model like in Canada.