AfD reiterates governing ambition after leadership vote
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The far-right Alternative for Germany confirmed its co-leadership and expanded a hardline federal board, while party co-leader Alice Weidel cited poll leads and pledged to govern.
Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) concluded its national convention in Erfurt with a reaffirmation of its aim to form a government. Co-leader Alice Weidel, who was re-elected with 81.3% of the delegate vote, pointed to opinion polls that place the party at the top nationally and declared the AfD ready to assume power.
The newly elected 14-member federal board includes six members from state branches that domestic intelligence agencies classify as right-wing extremist. New entrants such as Jean-Pascal Hohm, head of the party's youth group "Generation Deutschland," and Stefan Möller, a close ally of controversial figure Björn Höcke, are expected to shape the party's strategy and its dealings with security authorities.
Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and its state counterparts continue to monitor the AfD, classifying it as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization in five states and as a suspected extremist group at the national level. Authorities cite repeated statements by party members that challenge the equality of German citizens, particularly regarding migrants, Muslims and Black people.
Weidel's speech avoided detailed policy proposals, focusing instead on a broad critique of the government's handling of the euro, refugees, climate policy and support for Ukraine. She concluded with a nationalist appeal, urging supporters to “drape the entire country in black, red and gold.”
The convention was met with large, largely peaceful protests involving trade unions, churches, political parties and civil-society groups. At one rally, Jens-Christian Wagner, director of the Buchenwald Memorial, addressed the AfD with a remark urging the party to “remigrate yourselves into the history books.”
"We are the strongest force. We are a people's party with 30% support. And we will govern," Weidel said.
The AfD aims to capitalize on upcoming state elections in 2026, seeking its first state premier in Saxony-Anhalt or Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.