Headline:
Rising Far-Right Influence in Eastern Germany Threatens Skilled Workforce Recruitment
Sub-headline:
Companies in Jena, Thuringia, Struggle to Attract International Talent Amidst Surge in Anti-Foreigner Sentiment Driven by the AfD**
News Article:
Jena, Thuringia – As the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gains political ground in the eastern German state of Thuringia, companies in the region, particularly in Jena, are facing increasing difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled foreign workers. The AfD, leading the polls with approximately 30% support ahead of the September 1 state elections, has built its campaign on a strong anti-foreigner stance, raising concerns among local businesses.
Jenoptik, a global leader in optical and photonic technologies based in Jena, is among the companies most affected. The firm, which played a key role in NASA’s Mars Perseverance mission by supplying lens assemblies, relies heavily on a diverse and skilled workforce. However, Jenoptik CEO Stefan Traeger notes that prospective employees are increasingly reluctant to relocate to Thuringia due to the region’s growing far-right influence.
“More and more prospective employees tell us they love the idea of working at Jenoptik but are hesitant to move to a state where a hard-right party that ostracizes migrants and minorities is dominant,” said Traeger.
Germany is already grappling with a severe shortage of skilled labor, with estimates indicating the need for around 400,000 skilled immigrants annually to sustain its workforce. The situation in Thuringia exacerbates this issue, as the state’s political climate deters both foreign workers and potential investors.
Preetam Gaikwad, a 43-year-old Indian engineer working at Jenoptik since 2013, expressed her growing concerns about the region’s political shift. “I’m really worried about the development of the political situation here,” Gaikwad stated, reflecting on the subtle and overt racism she and her family have encountered.
The AfD’s Thuringia branch, led by the controversial Bjoern Hoecke, has been particularly radical in its rhetoric, further alienating foreign workers and raising alarm among local businesses. The AfD’s slogan, “summer, sun, remigration,” encapsulates the party’s anti-immigrant sentiment, which has become a significant deterrent to the influx of skilled labor necessary for the region’s economic growth.
In response to these challenges, Jenoptik and other businesses have joined forces in the Cosmopolitan Thuringia network, a grassroots movement promoting tolerance and diversity in the region. Despite these efforts, the rising support for the AfD poses a substantial threat to the economic vitality of Thuringia, potentially leading to long-term consequences for the region’s workforce and investment landscape.
As Thuringia heads into the state elections, the outcome will not only shape the political future of the region but also determine its attractiveness as a hub for international talent and economic development.