Alice Weidel, leader of the AfD. Photo: Kay Nietfeld / DPA
The leader of the German far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), Alice Weidel, has become one of the most influential figures ahead of this Sunday’s elections. Despite having a doctorate in economics, a career in the financial sector, and being openly LGBT, she has become the leader of one of the most radical right-wing parties in Europe. The conversation writes about this.
AfD at the peak of popularity
According to the latest polls, the AfD could win 20% of the vote – twice as much as in the last election in 2021. Despite this, due to the “sanitary cordon” established by other parties, the AfD has no chance of entering the government.
The path to leadership
Alice Weidel started her political career in the liberal FDP party, but quickly moved to the AfD, where her radical views helped her become a key figure in the party. She openly admires Margaret Thatcher, which reinforces her image as the “Iron Lady” of the German far right.
The double image of a politician
Weidel lives in Switzerland with her partner, a Sri Lankan filmmaker, and has two sons. At the same time, she is strongly opposed to immigration, suggesting mass deportation of foreigners.
A course towards radicalisation
Weidel gradually moved from the moderate wing of the AfD to the harshest rhetoric, exploiting the fears of Germans after the recent terrorist attacks.
Despite her scandalous image, Weidel has managed to make the AfD more popular than ever. We will find out this Sunday whether this will be the beginning of a political shift in Germany.
