Are Albanians at risk from the AfD’s policies in Germany? MP Tobias Teich explains his position

Following the AfD’s victory in Germany, MP Tobias Teich spoke about the party’s position on immigration and the possibility that Albanians could be affected by these policies. According to him, the largest influx of immigrants is not linked to Albania.

Teich singled out Syria and African countries as the regions from which the highest numbers of immigrants arrive and which are considered more problematic. He also spoke about his contacts with the Kosovo Albanian and Albanian communities, as well as how he became familiar with the history of Kosovo and Albania.

The MP said that Germany spent 12 billion euros in 2024 on issues related to asylum seekers. He stressed that people who arrive from other countries, integrate into German society, respect the country’s culture and system, are welcome and do not pose a problem.

He emphasized that the discussion is not only about Albanians, recalling that during the 1990s Germany welcomed a large number of refugees from Kosovo. Teich said he was born in 1984 and belongs to a generation that witnessed many people arriving in Germany to escape conflicts and find safety.

According to him, contact with young people from Kosovo helped him learn about its history, while later he also became familiar with Albania. Teich said he had developed a positive view of the Albanian community in Germany, particularly when the issue is examined through statistical data on crime.

“We do not have problems with people who have come from Albania. The largest number of immigrants come from countries such as Syria and African states, not Albania,” he said.

Teich clarified that this was his personal assessment and that he could not necessarily speak on behalf of the entire party. Nevertheless, he reiterated that he has a positive opinion of Albania. The statements were made on the program “Review,” hosted by Greta Topjana on Euronews Albania.

Meanwhile, in a new nationwide poll published on Sunday, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has increased its lead over Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc.