AfD Reasserts Bid to Govern Germany With 30% Support as Weidel Tightens Grip
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · Jul 5
AfD Reasserts Bid to Govern Germany With 30% Support as Weidel Tightens Grip
3 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Jul 5
Summary
81.3% backing for Alice Weidel capped the AfD's Erfurt convention, where she declared the party ready to govern Germany after polls put it ahead nationally.
A 14-member federal board strengthened her position and the party's hardline wing: six members come from state branches classified as right-wing extremist, and ally Stefan Möller joined.
70% support for co-chair Tino Chrupalla marked a sharp drop, but the convention avoided the public infighting that marred earlier gatherings as the party eyes key 2026 state elections.
Few policy details emerged from Weidel's speech, which focused on nationalist rhetoric and attacks on migration, climate and Ukraine policy rather than concrete governing plans.
Tens of thousands protested in Erfurt while German intelligence agencies continue scrutinizing the AfD, which is confirmed extremist in five states and under observation elsewhere.
Could banning Germany's surging far-right party backfire and create a more powerful underground movement?
With the pro-Russia AfD leading polls, is Germany's support for Ukraine and European security at risk?
What does the AfD's 'remigration' plan mean for millions of immigrants and even citizens living in Germany?
Alternative for Germany Hits 75,000 Members: Leadership, Momentum, and the Battle for State Control in 2026
Overview
On July 4, 2026, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) held its party convention in Erfurt, where delegates reaffirmed Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as co-leaders, signaling a continuation of the party’s current direction. This leadership vote took place during a period of notable growth for the AfD, with membership surging to 75,000, up from 50,000 in 2024. The rise in membership provided strong support for the re-election of the co-leaders, highlighting both the party’s expanding base and its efforts to maintain stability and unity amid internal and external challenges.