Plans unveiled by AfD for an immigration detention facility at Erfurter Airport

In the heart of Germany, the state of Thuringia is witnessing a heated debate on migration policy, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party proposing a significant shift in the treatment of asylum seekers.

The AfD, a prominent political force in Thuringia, has put forth a plan to switch from cash benefits for asylum seekers to in-kind benefits. A key aspect of this plan involves the centralisation of accommodation for asylum seekers, with a proposed move to house all asylum seekers centrally at the Erfurt Airport. The party also plans to close all initial reception facilities in the state.

The estimated investment cost for this central accommodation and deportation at the Erfurt Airport is around 60 million euros. The AfD also intends to move the detention center for deportation from Arnstadt to the Erfurt Airport.

The AfD's migration policy has been met with criticism from various quarters. The Left parliamentary group accuses the party of racist incitement against migrants. The CDU, on the other hand, criticises the AfD for being polemical and living off anger about problems that have been tackled and solved. The CDU also criticises the AfD's focus on isolation and deportation, and spreading a general suspicion against immigration.

However, the AfD is not backing down. AfD faction leader Björn Höcke described Chancellor Angela Merkel as the "greatest traitor to the people of our time" ten years after the opening of the border for asylum seekers. Mr. Höcke also advocates for a total reform of asylum legislation and a 180-degree turn in migration policy.

The AfD's proposals also include the abolition of the tolerated status, end to church asylum, and the hardship commission. The party also aims to stop distributing refugees to municipalities until a positive asylum decision is made.

In contrast to the AfD's proposals, Thuringia's leadership has organised three deportation flights recently, including to Iraq. Asylum applications in Thuringia have decreased by 44 percent this year, and the distribution of asylum seekers to municipalities in Thuringia has significantly decreased.

Katharina König-Preuss, the migration policy spokeswoman of the Left parliamentary group, highlights numerous positive examples of successful integration. She emphasises the need for a balanced and humane approach to migration, rather than the isolationist and punitive policies proposed by the AfD.

The central accommodation and deportation at the airport is not intended as a permanent solution, but the future of Thuringia's migration policy remains uncertain as the debate continues.