- Thuringia's AfD co-leader expresses stance against employment for asylum seekers.
Stefan Möller, Co-Chair of Thuringia's AfD, Slams Work for Asylum Seekers and Praises Robert Sesselmann
The story revolves around Stefan Möller, AfD's Co-Chair in Thuringia, criticizing the employment of asylum seekers, particularly the tolerated ones. He commends Robert Sesselmann, the sole AfD district administrator in Sonneberg, for his efforts in deporting them instead.
For context, while Sesselmann has only required a few asylum seekers to participate in community work, a CDU administrator in East Thuringia has already offered employment opportunities to 100 asylum seekers.
The logic behind this: asylum seekers should put in 4 hours of work daily, earning 80 cents an hour. Failure to work may result in penalties. Möller was expected to participate in the discussion, but Björn Höcke, a staunch AfD member, declined the invitation.
Addressing the current skill labor shortage, Möller admitted, "Short-term resolution isn't feasible without skilled worker migration." Nevertheless, the AfD wishes to primarily leverage "our own reserves" to tackle the skill labor shortage.
Opinion Polls: AfD Leads
For a considerable period, the AfD has been number one in opinion polls for the Thuringia state election. If these ratings translate into election results, the AfD would become the leading force in the state for the first time. Yet, no other party is interested in collaborating with the party, classified as securely right-wing extremist by Thuringia's state office for the protection of the constitution.
Both Möller and Höcke are not contesting elections from their home constituencies due to the belief that they have better chances of winning in other regions.
A new state parliament in Thuringia will be elected on September 1.
The Commission, led by Thuringia's officials, has been evaluating the role of asylum seekers in the workforce, and their findings may impact the policies implemented by Stefan Möller and the Commission. Despite the Commission's potential recommendations, Möller continues to advocate for the deportation of tolerated asylum seekers, praising individuals like Robert Sesselmann who share his views.
