Syrian doctor Humam Razok experienced a sense of relief upon reaching Germany nine years ago, having escaped Damascus where he was imprisoned twice for his political views. However, the recent victory of the far-right AfD party in the eastern state of Thuringia, where he resides, coupled with the daily racial incidents his wife faces, has led him to plan an exit once she completes her studies. Razok, aged 39, anticipates an escalation in racism in Thuringia, despite the AfD's limited chances of forming a government due to other parties' refusal to collaborate.
Razok, who quickly mastered German after his arrival and now works as an anaesthetist near Erfurt, feels respected at work but notes his wife, who wears a headscarf, encounters racism daily. He expresses concern over the AfD's electoral success, which has emboldened some colleagues to openly support the party. Other migrants in Thuringia share his fears, with many considering leaving the state.
Thuringia faces a critical shortage of skilled workers, with healthcare vacancies remaining unfilled. This shortage is projected to worsen, with employment expected to decline by 20% by 2040. The AfD's strong showing in Thuringia, alongside the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, reflects growing public anxiety over migration policies.
The federal government's response to recent attacks and the ongoing debate on migration highlight the complex challenges faced. Hate crimes have surged, largely attributed to xenophobic offenses linked to right-wing extremism. Integration efforts are criticized for focusing too heavily on migrants rather than the host community, potentially exacerbating tensions.
