The Alternative for Germany’s top duo has been confirmed as the party leaders at the conference in Essen, with a goal to assume government responsibility in Eastern Germany. Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel were re-elected with Chrupalla receiving a stronger result than Weidel. Despite some unexpected votes against them, the duo was unanimously confirmed without any opponents or questions.
In terms of content and rhetoric, Chrupalla and Weidel took different paths but both emphasized the importance of professionalization within the party. While Chrupalla focused on the middle class as the AfD’s target group and emphasized the party’s role in government responsibility, particularly in Eastern Germany, Weidel stressed the need for improved communication to ensure that voters judge the AfD based on their program rather than external narratives.
Several personnel issues were resolved during the conference, including the confirmation of Stefan Brandner as first deputy and Peter Boehringer as second deputy. Dirk Spaniel lost to Kay Gottschalk for third deputy post. The conference also saw conflicts resolved through prior agreements between regional associations, signaling a shift towards professionalization while raising questions about grassroots democracy.
The diversity of opinions within the AfD was highlighted at the party conference in Essen as members discussed various issues ranging from national pride to the role of the party in shaping the country’s future. With a focus on communication, government responsibility, and professionalism, Chrupalla and Weidel aim to lead
