Germany news: AfD conference wraps up in Erfurt
Skip next section AfD rallies support against backdrop of power struggles and scandals Germany’s far-right AfD concluded a two day meeting that saw Alice Weidel
Skip next section AfD rallies support against backdrop of power struggles and scandals Germany’s far-right AfD concluded a two day meeting that saw Alice Weidel tighten her grip on the party and acted as a springboard ahead of high-stakes elections. Throughout the weekend Alice Weidel, who saw her support from members increase and placed allies in key posts, tried to rally her party around the German flag. "With black, red and gold," Weidel shouted into the hall, "we are heading into the snap federal election with our national colors.
We will stake a claim to government, because we are the strongest force." Delegates waved the German flag in response. elections are not planned until 2029, but the AfD is trying to beckon fresh elections no doubt concerned that should the economy improve they may lose support. The AfD believes it’s best chance of power in the short term is in the state of Saxony-Anhalt where it could win an outright majority in September.
Such a result would send shockwaves through Germany. In his remarks, co-leader Tino Chrupalla, issued a warning to party members: "We shouldn't promise anything we can't deliver." The AfD is looking to make the transition from a protest party to a big tent party capable of wielding power. But it continues to be bogged by scandals. A sample of stories in recent weeks include the emergence of a six year-old photo of a senior figure giving a Hitler salute, while another questioned the Germanness of non-white players in the national team.
The party continues to be monitored by Germany’s domestic intelligence services who contend the AfD's ethnic nationalist views are unconstitutional.
The BriefWire