The next likely leader of the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, the far-right Alternative for Germany's Ulrich Siegmund, suggested a weapons producer could be allowed to operate in the state to provide resources for future deportation offensives.

The AfD, which has ties with Russia and brands itself a "party of peace", opposes Germany's record defence spending under Chancellor Friedrich Merz and military support for Ukraine, raising questions about the future of a planned defence industry investment in the city of Sangerhausen.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Siegmund indicated the AfD was not opposed to arms production for domestic purposes.

"We do not condemn the production of military equipment across the board, because we will naturally need the appropriate resources for future repatriation and deportation campaigns," he said.

"This is also in the interest of internal security, our own stability, and national defence," he added.

Local broadcaster MDR has reported that Israel's Elbit Systems is in talks to build a plant there to manufacture components for other German companies. City officials say no complete weapons systems, drones or artillery shells would be produced at the site, which could create up to 400 jobs.

An Elbit spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday, a public holiday in Israel.

The anti-immigration AfD, which is seeking to form a state government after winning a historic election victory just short of an outright majority, has pledged a deportation offensive from "day one", citizen patrols and separate classrooms for refugee children.

Siegmund said the party was monitoring developments in Sangerhausen and would examine more closely what products would be made there.

Any backing for the project could complicate talks with the left-wing populist BSW, the only party not to rule out cooperation with the AfD.

The BSW, which like the AfD opposes German military support for Ukraine, has campaigned against the Sangerhausen project, rejecting economic arguments for attracting foreign defence manufacturers.

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Germany's AfD says arms production could aid deportation drive in Saxony-Anhalt

VIDEO SHOWS: AFD TOP CANDIDATE FOR SAXONY ANHALT ULRICH SIEGMUND SPEAKING TO PRESS, ABOUT GERMAN PRODUCTION OF MILITARY PRODUCTION / SAYS AGAINST FOREIGN WARS BUT MIGHT NEED FOR DEPORTATIONS/REMIGRATION

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: MAGDEBURG, GERMANY (SEPTEMBER 10, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. AFD TOP CANDIDATE FOR SAXONY ANHALT ULRICH SIEGMUND DURING PRESS CONFERENCE

2. MEDIA

3. (SOUNDBITE) (German) AFD TOP CANDIDATE FOR SAXONY ANHALT ULRICH SIEGMUND, SAYING:

"Our position is quite clear: we do not condemn the production of military equipment across the board because we will, of course, need the necessary resources for future repatriation and deportation campaigns. This is also, of course, in the interests of internal security, our own stability and national defence. We are well aware that these things do not just fall from the sky. However, there is a huge difference between sending armed forces into foreign wars – at our own expense, no less – and thereby running the risk of becoming involved in foreign conflicts. We view this with the utmost caution and considerable scepticism. Consequently, each case must be assessed on its own merits. We are monitoring this process in Sangerhausen. We are also in contact with our regional colleagues on the ground, who, of course, must not lose sight of the economic aspects either. But as I said, we must approach this with a clear sense of proportion. We want to look closely at what is being produced there, under what conditions, and whether we run the risk of becoming involved in foreign conflicts as a result. If so, we view this with the utmost scepticism. Consequently, the AfD’s position is that we take a nuanced view of this. It is not always black and white."

4. MICROPHONES

5. VARIOUS OF SIEGMUND DURING PRESS CONFERENCE

6. VARIOUS OF SIEGMUND AND FAMILY PHOTO OF AFD PARLIAMENTARY GROUP