“We can learn a lot from Japan on immigration policy” appeals for cooperation with Russia – German AfD state representative

[Berlin Jiji] In an interview with Jiji Press in the state capital Dresden, Jörg Urban (62), head of the far-right German party Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the eastern state of Saxony, said in an interview with Jiji Press that ``we can learn a lot from Japan's very strict immigration policy,'' which accepts highly specialized personnel and restricts unskilled workers. The AfD does not advocate blanket expulsion of foreigners, but advocates "remigration" to encourage them to return home.

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Germany is facing a declining birthrate, an aging population and a serious labor shortage, and immigration is seen as essential to maintaining society. On the other hand, citizens have become increasingly concerned about the rapid increase in immigration and worsening security, and the AfD has increased its support by criticizing established political parties.

"Many immigrants don't have enough education (and training). We don't need people relying solely on social security," Urban said. He then praised Japan's automation and robot technology, saying, ``Japan is more advanced than us and requires fewer human resources to perform simple tasks, which is very interesting.''

Regarding immigration, Chancellor Merz has acknowledged tightening regulations such as border controls, but has criticized the AfD's policies as aiming at "ethnic cleansing."

The AfD has also consistently called for the lifting of sanctions on Russia, saying they are damaging the German economy. Mr. Urban said, ``We have lost the means to purchase cheap energy from Russia.For economic reasons as well, we want to end the war as soon as possible and cooperate with Russia.''

Furthermore, without mentioning the illegality of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he stressed, ``If we stop funding [Ukraine], the war will end because it continues for the economic benefit of Ukraine and its military industry.''

The AfD is the main opposition party in the Bundestag and the largest party in the former East German regions such as Saxony. Public security authorities have labeled the AfD organization in the state a "right-wing extremist group."