Introduction
In the small town of Heidenau, Saxony, a violent incident has reignited tensions over immigration in Germany. On April 7, 2025, a 24-year-old Syrian migrant stabbed a 43-year-old man outside a supermarket, leaving him seriously injured. This attack, followed by a second Syrian wielding a baseball bat, has sparked protests and amplified the growing influence of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony, a region increasingly opposed to mass migration.
The Stabbing Incident in Heidenau
The altercation occurred at 6:50 p.m. in front of a supermarket on Schneller-Straße. According to police spokesman Marko Laske, a verbal argument escalated when the 24-year-old Syrian pulled a knife and stabbed the victim. As passersby intervened, a 26-year-old Syrian accomplice arrived with a baseball bat but fled in a Daewoo vehicle. Both suspects were arrested shortly after. The victim remains in serious condition, highlighting a growing wave of knife attacks in Germany.
Protests and the Free Saxony Response
Despite Heidenau’s small population of 16,700, the attack prompted a swift reaction. On April 8, 2025, the regional party “Free Saxony” organized a march that drew 300 participants. Their banners declared, “We will not tolerate West German conditions in Saxon Switzerland. Our response is remigration, remigration by the millions!” Saxon Switzerland, known for its scenic beauty, is now a focal point of anti-immigration sentiment. This aligns with Saxony’s broader rejection of migration policies, as seen in local activism.
AfD’s Rising Popularity in Saxony
Saxony is a stronghold of the AfD, which recently overtook the Christian Democrats to become Germany’s most popular party, scoring 25% in national polls. The Saxony Monitor poll, conducted annually by the Saxon government, reveals stark attitudes: 64% of residents believe Germany is “dangerously infested with foreigners” (up 24 points since 2022), and 82% distrust the left-liberal government (down 26% since 2022). The Heidenau incident further fuels AfD’s narrative that migrants are “collapsing” Germany’s economy and driving crime.
Broader Implications for Germany
The stabbing underscores a national trend of rising migrant-related violence, amplifying calls for stricter immigration controls. Saxony’s resistance mirrors sentiments in other eastern states, where the AfD continues to gain traction ahead of upcoming elections. As Germany grapples with these challenges, incidents like Heidenau’s could shape the political landscape in 2025 and beyond.