Germany's AfD says arms production could aid deportation drive in Saxony-Anhalt

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Ulrich Siegmund of Germany's far-right AfD suggested allowing a local arms producer to support deportation campaigns in Saxony-Anhalt. The party opposes increased defence spending and supports restoring ties with Russia, casting doubt on the future of military investments in the region.

BERLIN, Sept 11 (Reuters) - The likely leader of the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, the far-right Alternative for Germany's Ulrich Siegmund, suggested a weapons producer could be allowed to operate in the state to provide resources for his party's planned deportation campaigns. The AfD, which wants to restore ties with Russia and brands itself a "party of peace", opposes Germany's record defence spending under Chancellor Friedrich Merz and military support for Ukraine, raising questions about the future of a planned defence industry investment in the city of Sangerhausen.