AfD Re-elects Weidel With 81% and Chrupalla With 70% as It Masks Rift Before Eastern Votes
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 4
AfD Re-elects Weidel With 81% and Chrupalla With 70% as It Masks Rift Before Eastern Votes
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 4
Summary
Alice Weidel won 81% and Tino Chrupalla 70% at AfD’s Erfurt congress, extending the far-right party’s dual leadership.
The re-election was staged as a display of unity before autumn regional elections in eastern Germany, where AfD could enter government for the first time.
Weidel’s result strengthened the standing of the party’s more moderate wing, while Chrupalla—aligned with its ethno-nationalist camp—posted a weaker score than at the last congress two years ago.
The vote underscored AfD’s effort to contain internal tensions as it heads into a potentially pivotal electoral test in the east.
Could banning Germany's surging far-right party backfire and create a more powerful underground movement?
With the pro-Russia AfD leading polls, is Germany's support for Ukraine and European security at risk?
What does the AfD's 'remigration' plan mean for millions of immigrants and even citizens living in Germany?
Alternative for Germany Hits 75,000 Members: Leadership, Momentum, and the Battle for State Control in 2026
Overview
On July 4, 2026, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) held its party convention in Erfurt, where delegates reaffirmed Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as co-leaders, signaling a continuation of the party’s current direction. This leadership vote took place during a period of notable growth for the AfD, with membership surging to 75,000, up from 50,000 in 2024. The rise in membership provided strong support for the re-election of the co-leaders, highlighting both the party’s expanding base and its efforts to maintain stability and unity amid internal and external challenges.