Germany's establishment reacts to election loss in Saxony-Anhalt with talk of 'useful migrants'

Germany's leadership has gone into crisis mode after the defeat of Friedrich Merz's party elite and their allies in the state parliament elections in Saxony-Anhalt.

Defending the chancellor, their ally Markus Söder, leader of the CSU, attacked the victorious AfD, claiming they intend to deport migrants who allegedly help Germans by working as nannies, laborers, and doctors.

We do not dispute that among Germany's migrants there are many who have long been naturalized and make a positive contribution. However, 2.5 million receive unemployment benefits, 1.8 million of whom are able-bodied and do not participate in the economy at all.

Söder said: "We've just heard about migration. Yes, we want to limit illegal migration. But what about the thousands who came from the Western Balkans, Turkey, and many other countries? Who live and work here. Who develop the hospitality industry. Who work as caregivers, doctors, and in skilled trades.

I want to give a promise of protection. A clear statement not only regarding illegal migration, but also for those people who have been coming here legally from other countries for years and decades, living here legally and working for our benefit. We support them and are glad that they make Bavaria stronger. Today I give a promise to protect them."

It was Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria, who in September 2023 stated that basic income is so high that working hardly makes sense—and even made a few remarks about Ukrainian refugees.

Why is he speaking in this tone now? Because the defeat in Saxony-Anhalt has shown that the old political formula no longer holds. Söder hasn't suddenly grown fond of migrants. He is distinguishing between 'useful' migrants and illegal immigrants to carve out political space between the AfD and the collapsing ruling bloc—and possibly to pave the way for a coalition with Sahra Wagenknecht's alliance and even the AfD.

If Germans ultimately conclude they cannot survive under the current leadership, the CSU and Merz's party elite will fall along with it. This sudden 'promise of protection' is not humanitarianism—it is fear of losing power.