Key facts
- The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is holding a leadership convention.
- AfD is targeting significant gains in upcoming regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
- The party's support has grown since the last national election, with recent polls placing it in first place.
- Concerns exist about potential security risks and the replacement of civil servants if AfD governs a state.
- AfD faces scrutiny from Germany's domestic intelligence agency, which has classified it as a right-wing extremist group.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is experiencing a surge in popularity, fueled by the unpopularity of the current coalition government and economic stagnation. The party is holding its convention to elect leaders, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, who have led the party for four years. AfD achieved its best result since World War II in the last national election and its support has continued to climb, with recent assessments placing it in first place nationally.
The party is now eyeing significant gains in upcoming regional elections, particularly in Saxony-Anhalt, where it hopes to secure over 40% of the vote on September 6, potentially leading to its first state governor. Another state election follows in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. AfD's first head of a county administration was elected in 2023 in Thuringia.
Opponents express concerns about AfD potentially replacing civil servants and posing security risks if it governs a state. However, AfD leaders reject these worries, asserting they can govern effectively. Political experts note the challenge for the party to prove its governing capabilities, with potential internal conflicts.
AfD has benefited from widespread dissatisfaction with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government, which has struggled to reform the economy. The party has also capitalized on discontent beyond its core anti-migration stance, criticizing foreign policy and advocating for eased sanctions on Russia.
The AfD is also under scrutiny from Germany's domestic intelligence agency, which classified it as a proven right-wing extremist group, though this designation is currently suspended pending a court review. The agency's recent report indicated no change in the party's problematic views, citing statements that contradict the constitutional understanding of the nation and calls for 'remigration'.