The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is under investigation after distributing campaign flyers resembling “deportation tickets” in Karlsruhe.
Styled like airline tickets, the flyers display phrases such as “Only remigration can save Germany” and “It’s nice at home too.” Details like “departure: Germany” and “destination: safe country of origin” appear alongside the AfD logo.
Karlsruhe Police Investigate AfD Branch
Karlsruhe police confirmed the investigation into the AfD’s local branch on allegations of inciting racial hatred. Complaints have poured in from residents and politicians, with accusations that the flyers specifically targeted mailboxes of people with migration backgrounds to sow division.
The AfD’s Baden-Württemberg branch denied the claims, asserting the flyers were distributed to all voters in the area.
Parallels to Past Far-Right Campaigns
Critics have drawn parallels between the AfD campaign and a controversial 2013 flyer distributed by the National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD), now rebranded as Heimat. The NPD campaign featured fake flight tickets with the message “From Germany — destination home,” which sparked public outrage and protests.
AfD politician Marc Bernhard dismissed comparisons, stating, “We categorically reject any link to an action by the NPD over a decade ago, which we are unaware of.” However, observers argue the messaging aligns with the AfD’s anti-immigration rhetoric.
AfD’s “Remigration” Policy Gains Attention
The controversy coincides with heightened focus on the AfD’s “remigration” policy, which calls for the deportation of migrants and, in some cases, individuals with legal residency.
AfD chancellor candidate Alice Weidel recently endorsed the term “remigration” during a party conference in Riesa, a significant shift from her earlier hesitation to use the term. Critics have linked the policy to broader far-right movements in Europe, including Austrian leader Herbert Kickl, who has similarly advocated for mass deportations.
Despite polling at 22% nationally and securing second place in the latest INSA poll, the AfD remains politically isolated. Mainstream parties, including the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), refuse to collaborate with the AfD, limiting its prospects for governance.