Alice Weidel: the far-right banker Elon Musk wants as German chancellor
Feb 3, 2025
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Join Kate Connolly, The Guardian's Berlin correspondent, as she explores the meteoric rise of Alice Weidel, the far-right candidate who could shake up German politics. They delve into Weidel's controversial branding and her party's evolution from Euroscepticism to radical anti-immigration stances. The conversation reveals how societal grievances bolster the AFD's popularity and examines the shifting political landscape ahead of the federal elections. Protests, coalition dynamics, and the impact of Weidel's ambitions are all on the table.
Alice Weidel's complex background and professional history as a Goldman Sachs banker enhance her allure to voters of extremist parties.
The rise of the AFD, driven by anti-immigration sentiments post-2015, poses significant challenges to traditional German political dynamics and discourse.
Deep dives
Alice Weidel: A Complex Political Figure
Alice Weidel stands out as a strikingly complex figure in German politics, known for her contradictory nature as the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) party. Originating from a middle-class background in West Germany, Weidel was educated in a family that nurtured her political thoughts while harboring a controversial family legacy linked to the Nazi era. Her professional tenure at Goldman Sachs before entering politics showcases her as a financial expert, which enhances her appeal to voters who might typically shy away from extremist parties. Despite her current role in an anti-immigration party, her own familial structure—a same-sex partnership with two adopted children—contrasts with the party's traditional family values, highlighting the discrepancies in her political ideology.
The Evolution of the AFD's Agenda
Initially formed as a Eurosceptic party, the AFD transformed dramatically following the 2015 migration crisis and Angela Merkel's open-door policy. This pivotal moment galvanized the party, shifting its focus towards radical anti-immigration and anti-Islam sentiments, which it has capitalized on ever since. Weidel's emergence as a prominent leader coincided with this transformation, as she quickly became the party's parliamentary leader and, later, its co-leader, positioning herself at the forefront of its new agenda. The party's manifesto now includes a strong emphasis on mass deportations, reflecting growing fears over immigration while simultaneously gaining traction among disillusioned voters through its controversial policies.
The Rise of Weidel and the AFD's Political Influence
As the federal elections approach, Weidel's AFD has gained significant electoral momentum, reflecting increasing public support, particularly in Eastern Germany. The party has seen a surge in popularity, securing a notable share of votes in recent elections, highlighting its role as a significant force in shifting German politics. However, Weidel faces challenges, as mainstream parties have firmly stated their refusal to collaborate with the AFD, creating barriers for its ascension to power. Despite this, incidents within the Bundestag indicate that the party's ideas are permeating mainstream discourse, raising concerns about their growing influence on Germany's political landscape.
Berlin correspondent Kate Connolly charts the rise of Alice Weidel, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland candidate for chancellor. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
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