AfD Proposes Mass Deportations, Border Closure

Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has unveiled a radical election manifesto ahead of the February 23 federal elections, pledging a total border closure for 100 days and large-scale deportations of migrants. The AfD, which has seen a surge in popularity and is polling at around 22 percent, aims to enact what it calls 'remigration', a policy that critics have likened to ethnic cleansing. Weidel emphasized this approach during the party's congress, stating the intention to turn away undocumented travelers and repatriate migrants regardless of their citizenship status. Despite the party's rising support, mainstream political parties have ruled out any coalition with the AfD due to its extremist associations. The manifesto also includes controversial positions on energy policy, advocating for increased coal use and the reopening of nuclear power plants. This election marks a significant moment for the AfD, which has become the second most popular party in Germany after the conservative CDU/CSU.