AfD victory turns into scandal over Israel
Israeli defense company Elbit Systems has become the center of a political scandal in Germany after a statement by AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund, who linked the possible construction of a plant to future deportations. The scandal erupted against the backdrop of the AfD's victory in local elections (43.8% of the vote). Elbit distanced itself from the dispute, emphasizing its cooperation with the German Ministry of Defense.
Israeli defense company Elbit Systems has found itself at the center of a major political scandal in Germany. The trigger was statements by Ulrich Siegmund, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt, who linked the possible construction of an Elbit plant to future migration policy and deportations. The scandal erupted shortly after the AfD's major success in local elections—the party received 43.8% of the vote and is vying to form the state government. At a press conference, Siegmund stated that he does not oppose the production of security equipment, as such means will be needed by Germany to implement a stricter migration policy and deportations. The statement drew sharp reactions from the AfD's political opponents—representatives of the SPD and the Left Party. Elbit Systems distanced itself from the dispute, emphasizing that it cooperates with the Ministry of Defense and the Bundeswehr. No final decision has been made yet on the construction of the plant in Sangerhausen. The project could create up to 400 jobs. Some residents oppose the company's potential arrival—at the end of August, about 550 people took part in a protest action.