German economic adviser Monika Schnitzer warns AfD government would deter skilled workers in Saxony-Anhalt

Economic warnings on labor shortages

Monika Schnitzer, chair of the German Council of Economic Experts, warned that an Alternative for Germany (AfD) government in Saxony-Anhalt would deter skilled workers and inflict severe damage on the state economy. The Munich economics professor told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger that the party's platform poses a direct risk to the region's ability to attract personnel and corporate investment. A large segment of the current workforce in Saxony-Anhalt is scheduled to retire in the coming years, creating a demographic replacement gap. Schnitzer emphasized that local labor reserves cannot replace these retirees without steady inward migration. Without enough skilled professionals entering the regional labor market, companies will avoid placing necessary investments in the state.

Given the election manifesto, it is to be expected that if the AfD takes over government, the state would significantly lose attractiveness as a location for skilled workers and businesses.

Research on foreign labor and demographic risk

Schnitzer's warning aligns with findings from Reint Gropp, president of the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH). Gropp noted that if the AfD wins the state election and campaigns against immigrants, thousands of additional vacancies across the state will remain unfilled. A study published by the IWH established that the arrival of foreign workers served as the primary stabilizing factor for Saxony-Anhalt's labor market in recent years. Gropp stated that turning away foreign talent would lead to a noticeable decline in regional prosperity. Similar concerns were raised three years ago by economist Ulrike Malmendier, who served on the Council of Economic Experts until February 2026. Malmendier warned that recruiting international workers cannot succeed on the necessary scale if a protectionist party gains growing support.

The country would noticeably lose prosperity.

Polling ahead of the state parliamentary vote

These warnings preceded the Sunday state parliamentary election in Saxony-Anhalt, where voters selected lawmakers for the Landtag in Magdeburg. A ZDF poll published on Thursday evening placed the AfD in the lead with 41% of voter support, establishing an 18-point margin over the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) at 23%. The Left (Die Linke) received 11.5% in the survey, followed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) at 8.5% and the Greens at 6%. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) both registered below the 5% electoral threshold. Prior to the vote, Saxony-Anhalt was governed by a three-party coalition consisting of the CDU, the SPD, and the FDP.

Voter concerns and party leadership statements

Voter sentiment in Saxony-Anhalt reflects broader anxiety over local economic stability. In the latest ZDF Politbarometer survey, 22% of respondents identified the overall economic situation as the most important issue in the state, followed by unemployment at 17%. The federal state is predominantly rural, hosting numerous medium-sized enterprises rather than large corporate headquarters. At the close of the campaign, the AfD reiterated its goal of taking over the state administration. Federal co-leader Tino Chrupalla addressed lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund at a campaign rally, stating that work as prospective minister-president begins on Monday and promising full party support. Economists and business figures have also noted that an AfD-led state government could cause friction with the European Union.