"Alice Weidel, a 45-year-old economist in a same-sex relationship, has worked to soften the image of her party."Germany's Far-Right AfD Eyes Radical Policies Ahead of Election
Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is riding high as it lays out a bold and controversial vision for the country ahead of the upcoming federal election.
At its conference in Riesa, Saxony, the AfD unveiled a manifesto calling for the closure of Germany’s borders, the resumption of Russian gas imports, and a fundamental dismantling of the European Union. Plans also include withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, exiting the Euro currency, and creating a new confederation of states.
AfD leader Alice Weidel made headlines by embracing the term “remigration,” widely interpreted as advocating the mass deportation of individuals with migrant backgrounds. In her address to party delegates, she called for "large-scale repatriations" and dismissed protesters outside the venue as a "left-wing mob."
Weidel's remarks mark a notable shift for the party. Last year, she sought to distance herself from controversies involving far-right ideologies, including alleged discussions about "remigration" with Austrian far-right activist Martin Sellner, known for his neo-Nazi past. Critics argue that "remigration" is a euphemism for a racially motivated mass deportation agenda, while the AfD claims otherwise.
The party’s manifesto also includes pledges to dismantle wind farms, leave the EU asylum system, and eliminate gender studies programs from universities.
AfD’s Growing Momentum
Polling consistently places the AfD as Germany’s second-largest party, with significant gains in regional elections, particularly in eastern Germany, where its support is strongest. However, its path to power remains blocked as other parties refuse to work with it.
Parts of the AfD have been classified as right-wing extremist by German domestic intelligence. Hardline figures such as Björn Höcke, fined for using Nazi-era slogans, and past co-leader Alexander Gauland, who dismissed the Nazi era as “a speck of bird’s muck,” underscore the party’s controversial reputation.
Despite this, Weidel, a 45-year-old economist and former Goldman Sachs employee, has sought to soften the party’s image. Her recent live discussion with Elon Musk on his platform, X, added to her visibility. However, her claim during the talk that Adolf Hitler was a communist sparked widespread condemnation for historical revisionism.
Divisive Yet Rising
The AfD’s anti-establishment, anti-immigration, and anti-“woke” rhetoric resonates with a growing segment of voters disillusioned with traditional politics. As Germany heads to the polls on 23 February, the party’s influence and divisiveness are likely to dominate political discourse, leaving the country at a critical juncture.
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