The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has distributed thousands of flyers in Baden that resemble airline tickets. As part of its campaign for the upcoming general elections next month, the party is promoting its stance on migration, calling for stricter immigration policies and an increase in refugee deportations.
The flyer, of which more than 30,000 copies have been distributed, features an airline ticket design. On the front, it states that if the party wins the election, irregular migrants will be allowed to return to their “safe home countries.” The back of the flyer lists five demands for tightening Germany’s immigration policy.
The AfD maintains that it will keep distributing the flyer without restrictions, asserting that it is being given to all eligible voters without discrimination. In contrast, left-wing groups argue that the flyers have been intentionally placed in the mailboxes of individuals with foreign-sounding names.
Federal government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit addressed the issue on Platform X, stating, “It’s up to everyone to be outraged about this—I recommend it.” His comment highlights the government’s reluctance to assess ongoing election campaigns, a stance that has been criticized by the federal government itself as “tasteless.”
The AfD’s campaign has ignited political controversy in multiple German states, whereas Sahra Mirow, the leader of the Left Party in Baden-Württemberg, accused the party of “dividing our society and spreading hatred and agitation.” Meanwhile, leftist Bundestag candidate Marcel Bauer announced his intention to file a complaint against the campaign, asserting that “AfD is using fascist tactics to incite public hatred”, and emphasizing that “this threat against our fellow citizens must have consequences.”
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has also criticized AfD’s campaign tactics. A CDU politician wrote on Platform X, “In response, we’ve issued a flight ticket for AfD—back to the dark times.”
Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into whether the distributed flyers constitute incitement to hatred.
