AfD Federal Congress in Erfurt Accompanied by Leadership Restructuring

As the AfD federal congress approaches in Erfurt, Germany's far-right party faces major leadership changes. Björn Höcke is not running himself, but his influence is growing through the candidacy of his trusted ally Stephan Möller.

With days remaining until Germany's far-right AfD federal congress takes place in Erfurt, the party's leadership restructuring is already in full swing. Björn Höcke, the influential figurehead of the Thuringia faction, is not putting his own candidacy forward, yet his influence over party leadership is growing as his close ally Stephan Möller enters the race for the party chair.

Möller is stepping in to contest the position vacated by Stephan Brandner, who has lost the trust of the Thuringia faction. Analysts point out that this move demonstrates how Höcke aims to retain significant control over the party without taking an official position himself.

Weidel and Chrupalla in Leadership Posts

AfD co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla must confirm their leadership positions at the Erfurt congress. Both face pressure from different party factions, making the congress outcome unpredictable.

At the same time, the AfD's international allied organisation faces serious challenges, with the party's federation of European partners threatened by a possible ban. This adds further tension to the Erfurt gathering, as the party must navigate both internal disagreements and external pressure.

Growing Influence of the Thuringia Faction

The Thuringia faction's growing influence on AfD national politics is a cause for concern among both outside observers and some party members. Experts emphasise that Möller's candidacy is a strategic move through which the Höcke faction seeks to secure its position for the coming period without drawing excessive attention.