Dessau-Rosslau, an east German town marked by population decline and economic stagnation, has become a focal point in the upcoming Sachsen-Anhalt state election, as parties propose differing approaches to address demographic and economic challenges.

Once a thriving industrial center known for its Bauhaus heritage and Soviet-era military academy, Dessau-Rosslau now faces depopulation and an aging population following the collapse of local industry after reunification. The town’s deserted streets and empty playgrounds underscore the difficulty of attracting and retaining young residents. Corinna Hecht, a local market merchant, described Dessau as a “city of pensioners” where many young people have left in search of opportunities elsewhere.

The right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) has made repopulating eastern towns a central part of its campaign. The party’s leader in Sachsen-Anhalt, Martin Reichardt, emphasized the region’s birth rate decline and criticized established parties for neglecting sustained economic development since 1990. The AfD proposes a subsidy package designed to encourage families to settle in the east, including significant tax breaks for households with three or more children, low-interest loans for young parents, and a €20,000 refund of pension contributions per additional child. The party also promises to make childcare and nursery fees free, aiming to reduce financial burdens on families.

While the AfD’s policies have resonated with some residents, others remain skeptical. A 67-year-old pensioner expressed doubts about the efficacy of financial incentives without broader economic growth, suggesting that most young people continue to leave for better prospects in western Germany. The current state government, a coalition of the Christian Democrats (CDU), Free Democrats (FDP), and Social Democrats (SPD), also acknowledges population decline as a major issue but argues that birth-rate incentives alone will not quickly address employment shortages. Officials warn that meaningful improvement in job availability will take decades, making the AfD’s approach insufficient as a standalone solution.

The political landscape in Sachsen-Anhalt is shifting. Polls ahead of the September election predict a significant decline in support for the CDU, which led the previous government and is headed nationally by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, projecting a drop from nearly 40 percent to around 23 percent of the vote. By contrast, the AfD is expected to surge to approximately 41 percent, potentially enabling it to form its first state government, despite being designated as a right-wing extremist threat by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency—a label the party denies. The AfD’s perceived pro-Kremlin stance and opposition to immigration have increased scrutiny and controversy around its rise.

In Dessau-Rosslau, the exodus of young people is a palpable reality. Ali Nabi, a 24-year-old Kurdish refugee employed locally as a cook, noted that youths often leave as soon as they come of age, citing a lack of social and cultural activities. “There’s nothing for them here: no parties, no nice cafes, no activities,” he said, expressing his intention to move to Dresden, a larger eastern city experiencing redevelopment and cultural revival.

As Sachsen-Anhalt prepares to vote, demographic decline and economic renewal remain intertwined challenges. The AfD’s proposal to repopulate the east through family incentives offers a new approach in a region where political and social dynamics continue to evolve.