Authority figure Georg Maier, representing the SPD in Thuringia's elections, accusingly points his finger at the AfD, alleging they contribute to a business-unfriendly environment. He recounts instances of talented individuals bypassing job prospects in Thuringia due to the area's unfavorable climate, which he believes is a result of the AfD's influence, including their prominent figure, Björn Höcke. In a televised event with ntv and Antenne Thuringia, Maier accuses Höcke of attempting to trigger chaos for medium-sized businesses, labeling this act as "as anti-business as it gets."
Stefan Möller, the AfD's co-chair in Thuringia, refutes these claims, insisting that Höcke merely referred to specific enterprises during a Sommerda rally. Möller's party mate didn't participate in the talk due to health concerns, supposedly.
The Green Party's top candidate, Madeleine Henfling, expresses concern over the challenges Thuringia faces in becoming an enticing workplace for skilled laborers. The existing political climate and prejudice towards individuals with immigrant backgrounds serve as significant obstacles. For example, a potential exodus of migrants in healthcare could adversely impact the sector.
Möller ponders Thuringia as a stepping stone for skilled professionals
Möller clarifies that the AfD doesn't aim to expel doctors or nurses. Instead, they are highly skilled and sought-after internationally, prompting Möller to propose that they'll gravitate towards nations like Norway or major western German cities. "Effectively, Thuringia will be serving as a passageway for such highly skilled, highly portable professionals," he explains.
Thuringia's Office for the Protection of the Constitution considers the AfD a consistently right-wing extremist party, classifying them under observation. In their election campaign, they've been promoting banners showcasing an airplane and the slogan "Summer, sun, remigration."
The upcoming 'Election to the Landtag' in Thuringia might impact the region's reputation as an appealing land for skilled laborers. Although Stefan Möller denies fostering an unfriendly business atmosphere, his party's words and deeds, including remarks from Björn Höcke, are criticized for inadvertently crafting a hostile milieu, which could deter potential job seekers from considering opportunities in Thuringia.
Further Insights:
Regarding the impact of the AfD in Thuringia on international students, academics, and the overall perception of Germany as an attractive destination for skilled workers, renewed concerns arise.
- Negative Impact Among International Students and Academics:
- The AfD's anti-immigration and anti-EU stance creates uncertainty and fear among international students and academics.
- The AfD's proposal to eliminate gender studies departments and remove professors stirs concerns among foreign and domestic students, as it infringes upon academic freedom.
- Consequences for Higher Education and Research:
- The AfD's influence impacts German higher education and research negatively. The increasing isolation of eastern Germany's universities from international students indicates a potential recession in this field.
- The AfD's opposition to the EU and hypothetical plan to overhaul Germany's higher education system could dent the competitiveness of German universities.
- Overall Assessment of Germany as a Talent Magnet:
- Despite the AfD's ascent, Germany is still issuing a large count of skilled worker visas, with a focus on sectors like tech, teaching, and healthcare.
- However, growing anti-immigrant rhetoric and administrative hurdles, such as extensive waiting times for administrative appointments and the recognition of foreign qualifications, hinder Germany's attractiveness for skilled workers.
- Regional Diversity:
- The AfD's stronghold in Thuringia could make it more challenging to attract skilled workers to the region due to its links with right-wing politics. This could discourage potential global talent from exploring Thuringia for learning and employment prospects.
Stated briefly, although Germany persists in granting a substantial number of skilled worker visas, the AfD's influence in Thuringia and antagonistic discourse toward immigrants might contribute to negative perceptions among foreign students, academics, and professionals seeking employment opportunities in the region.
