AfD ends party conference prematurely in dispute - noise about European politics

Created: 2022-06-20 05:02

By: Katja Thorwarth, Christian Stör

The radical forces of the AfD around Björn Höcke are considered the winners of the party conference in Riesa.

In the end, a Europe resolution causes a stir.

• Scandal surrounding Alice Weidel

  : allegations against newly elected federal chairmen at the end of the AfD party conference.

• Management duo remains:

  The AfD party conference in Riesa again Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as dual leaders.

  Björn Höcke did not run for the chairmanship of the AfD.

• Steinbach fails

  :

  Former CDU politician Erika Steinbach will not become deputy chairwoman of the AfD.

• AfD party conference in Riesa:

  Follow the events at the AfD party conference in Riesa here in our news ticker.

+++ 5 p.m .:

The AfD ended its party conference prematurely after a bitter dispute over a Europe resolution.

55.65 percent of the delegates voted for the premature end, 44.35 percent voted no.

Previously, there had been a heated argument on the subject of foreign and Russia policy.

The background was a motion for a resolution on the subject of Europe, whose supporters included the honorary chairman Alexander Gauland and the Thuringian state chief Björn Höcke.

AfD boss Alice Weidel called for the paper to be revised in terms of language and content.

Member of the Bundestag Thomas Seitz criticized the fact that the text "not once" contained the word war and that a Ukraine conflict was "completely played down".

Björn Höcke expanded his influence at the AfD party conference.

In the end, however, the scraps flew again.

© Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

Other delegates campaigned vehemently for adoption.

The AfD member of parliament Hans-Thomas Tillschneider from Saxony-Anhalt said that the application contained “exactly the terms and orientations that we as a message have to send to the outside world.

The contrast between globalists and nation-states - that is the world struggle in which we stand, and that is clearly stated here".

Various requests for not dealing with the topic and referral for advice in expert committees failed.

There was a loud argument between the delegates.

After the debate, the Bavarian delegate Rainer Rothfuss spoke of a "trauma" and a "glitch".

AfD party conference in Riesa: Björn Höcke increases his influence

+++ 4:00 p.m .:

The AfD party conference in Riesa was basically something like a Höcke party conference.

Again and again the right winger felt the urge to speak to the delegates on the podium – and each time visibly enjoyed the applause he received.

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The last day of the meeting in Riesa showed once again how great the influence of Höcke in the AfD is now.

The Thuringian head of state and the newly elected federal executive board member Christina Baum, one of his supporters, called on the delegates to simply stop worrying about the protection of the constitution and its assessments.

For this they received a lot of praise.

A warning from board member Roman Reusch that one should not make it too easy for the "opponent" in the dispute with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution by making careless decisions, was only able to convince a minority.

This is the end of the ticker for the AfD party conference in Riesa.

+++ 1.45 p.m .:

The AfD party conference in Riesa is coming to an end.

Almost all observers share an assessment.

The radical right-wing forces around Björn Höcke are expanding their power in the AfD.

This is shown not least by the alliance with the "Automobile Center" association.

According to information from the dpa, Höcke himself does not rule out a later attempt to take over the party chairmanship.

“Maybe it will be in a few years.

Until then, I'm in good hands in Thuringia," said Höcke, according to the dpa.

The Thuringian state chairman Björn Höcke and federal chairman Tino Chrupalla at the AfD party conference in Riesa.

© Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

The top personnel of the AfD - coming and going

View photo gallery

AfD party conference in Riesa: scandal surrounding Alice Weidel – "unworthy of a federal chairman"

+++ 11.25 a.m .:

It doesn’t take long before the AfD party conference in Riesa produces the first scandal on Sunday.

First of all, the delegates vote for the deletion of the right-wing extremist association "Automobile Centre".

The application also had the support of Björn Höcke.

The deletion counts as a win for him.

Immediately afterwards it became apparent how divided parts of the AfD are among themselves.

A delegate accuses the newly elected federal chairwoman Alice Weidel of "showing a delegate from Baden-Württemberg the gesture with her finger on her head".

It is a "criminal offense of insult" that is "unworthy of a federal chairman".

He requests that Weidel be called to order.

Weidel reacts and points the bird into the room twice more.

The Presidency rejects a complaint.

A press conference by Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, which should have taken place afterwards, is canceled.

AfD party conference live: Delegates want to end sanctions against Russia

+++ Update from Sunday, June 19, 9:55 a.m .:

After the election of the party leadership, the AfD wants to address substantive issues at its party conference in Riese this Sunday.

According to information from the AFP news agency, the delegates have received a resolution calling for a change in German policy in the Ukraine war.

The sanctions against Russia are to be ended and arms deliveries to Ukraine stopped.

Other motions presented to the AfD party conference call for the establishment of an AfD-friendly television station and a ban on Muslim muezzin calls to prayer from mosques.

Live: AfD party conference – Chrupalla and Weidel give press conference

+++ 7.10 p.m .:

On the third and last day of the AfD party conference in Riesa, Saxony, the further content of the right-wing party is on the agenda for Sunday.

According to information from the German Press Agency, it should be about topics such as the foreign and European policy of the AfD and party structure issues.

The two new party leaders, Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel, have also announced a press conference for the late morning.

+++ 3.25 p.m .:

The newly elected party leaders of the AfD, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, have emphasized a new beginning for their party.

Chrupalla spoke in Riesa on the sidelines of the AfD party conference of a "departure".

The aim is to leave the past and the dispute behind, he said after his confirmation in office and the election of Weidel and her three deputies.

"The Meuthen era ended today," he said.

Chrupalla and Weidel already lead the AfD parliamentary group together.

This successful model will be "mirrored on the party," said Weidel.

She criticized the work of the last federal board, to which she had belonged as a deputy: "You couldn't do it any worse."

+++ 2.10 p.m .:

So far, the people who can be assigned to Björn Höcke have prevailed.

In this respect, one can also speak of the “Höcke Festival” at the AfD party conference, as the expert from the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Alexander Kissler, puts it.

AfD party conference in Riesa: Erika Steinbach fails when elected deputy chairwoman

+++ 1.45 p.m .:

The former CDU politician Erika Steinbach is applying for the post of deputy chairman.

So "no longer want to watch how our beautiful country" drives into the "abyss".

She could no longer bear the way the AfD was being treated.

AfD politicians are patriotic, but "not nationalists," said Steinbach.

The AfD is important for "Germany's future and its people", but everyone has to contribute to the "maturation process".

However, Peter Boehringer is elected.

+++ 1:20 p.m .:

The AfD is currently electing the deputy top management at the party conference.

Stephan Brandner can accept the congratulations of the comrades: inside.

Now the deputy, second chairman is elected.

Erika Steinbach is also standing for election.

AfD party conference in Riesa: Chrupalla and Weidel are the new dual leadership

+++ 11:50 a.m .:

Alice Weidel and Nicolaus Fest are proposed as the second federal spokesperson.

There are no surprises here either.

Weidel speaks first.

She first steps up against Meuthen, who recently joined the small party “Center”.

The AfD is not an obsolete model, but without the AfD Germany would face a bitter future.

The AfD must come back “with a leadership that agrees”.

Weidel asks the delegates for trust.

One MP notes that Weidel would have "completely driven the AfD up against the wall" in Baden-Württemberg.

AfD party conference in Riesa: Tino Chrupalla re-elected as federal spokesman

+++ 11.40 a.m .:

Tino Chrupalla was elected the first federal spokesman.

Now the second federal speaker is elected.

53.45 percent voted for Chrupalla, 36.3 percent for small guards.

10 percent abstained.

Just over 50 percent is rated as partially convincing for the old and new federal spokesman.

+++ 11.20 a.m .:

Tino Chrupalla introduces himself.

The AfD is the party of the “citizens on the street”.

He describes Friedrich Merz (CDU) as a "green wolf" in sheep's clothing.

"We represent Germany's interests, and that is our unique selling proposition," says Chrupalla.

He sees himself as the "federal spokesman for the grassroots".

AfD party conference in Riesa: Kleinwächter and Chrupalla want to become federal spokesman

+++ 10.55 a.m .:

Now the candidates are proposed.

Alice Weidel introduces Tino Chrupalla.

Jürgen Braun suggests Norbert Kleinwaechter.

There are no other candidates.

Norbert Kleinwaechter speaks first: "We won't save Germany by fighting the other camp," Kleinwaechter is annoyed that the Berlin MPs are not allowed to be present.

Kleinwächter claims that Germany needs the AfD.

You have to get out of the low with a new style.

He is applying to be a “Federal Spokesman” (Chairman) because he wants to speak.

As a liberal, middle-class and conservative party, the AfD represents the majority.

AfD party conference in Riesa: Discussion about the one-leader principle

+++ 10.30 a.m .:

Now there is a procedural request that five instead of three questions can be asked of the candidates.

Incidentally, an end to the debate can only be requested by those who have not said anything about the matter beforehand.

This request is also rejected.

It is now being discussed whether one or two board members should be elected.

"Responsibility cannot be shared," argues one speaker for the one-leader principle.

AfD party conference in Riesa: the election of the new board begins

+++ 10.15 a.m .:

The election modalities are now being clarified.

People who violate the incompatibility list are not allowed to be elected.

Each candidate has 15 minutes to introduce themselves.

This procedure is approved unanimously.

First of all, however, there is a discussion about whether people who are not present can also run for office via video.

Specifically, it is MP Martin Renner, who tested positive for Corona.

This application is rejected.

AfD wants new nuclear power plants for Germany

+++ 18:09:

The AfD wants new nuclear power plants to be built in Germany.

"End ideological energy policy - new nuclear power plants for Germany," says a resolution that was adopted on Friday at a federal party conference in Riesa, Saxony, with a large majority.

AfD party conference: Höcke motion receives majority

+++ 3.35 p.m .:

Björn Höcke celebrates a first small victory at the federal party conference of the AfD.

From now on, the party can also be led by just one chairman.

Höcke's proposal to change the statutes, according to which a single head should also be possible, received the necessary two-thirds majority in Riesa.

348 out of 506 delegates voted in favor of the change.

The previously valid statute provided for "two or three" federal spokesmen - that's the name of the chairmen in the AfD.

AfD party conference in Riesa: the agenda was decided

+++ 1:20 p.m .:

A result: After the greeting from the AfD state association, it will first be about AfD positions on nuclear power.

The final vote decides when personal details will be decided.

It will probably be about a factual issue (nuclear energy) before it is decided whether the AfD will elect one or two party leaders.

Party congress in Riesa: AfD sinks into amendments

+++ 1 p.m.:

All applications are currently being sorted.

It is possible that the debate about content will be split.

First, however, a vote is taken as to whether all the amendments will not be dealt with, keyword: "non-consideration".

Individual party-political content and the extent to which these should be treated according to personal data are now being voted on.

AfD party conference in Riesa: excitement about the non-admission of Berlin AfD MPs

+++ 11.05 a.m .:

The non-admission of the 24 Berlin delegates caused a stir.

On Thursday, the Berlin regional court rejected an urgent application by the state executive board against a decision by the AfD federal arbitration court.

The election of the delegates at a state party conference was ineffective according to the assessment of the arbitral tribunal.

AfD Federal Vice Beatrix von Storch is accused of unduly influencing the selection of candidates.

The motion to admit the Berliners after all was not dealt with further at the party congress by the leader of the meeting.

AfD party conference in Riesa: Eleven applications to the agenda are pending

Update from Friday, June 17, 9:20 a.m.:

The AfD party conference in Riesa starts at 10 a.m.

In advance, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Lower Saxony announced that it would classify the AfD as a suspicious object.

This emerges from the report for 2021 presented by Interior Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) on Thursday.

In Lower Saxony, for example, the youth organization of the AfD had previously been classified as a suspicious object, but not the entire party. 

AfD party conference in Riesa: 600 AfD delegates have the choice

First report from Thursday, June 16:

Riesa/Frankfurt – From Friday (June 17) to Sunday (June 19) around 600 AfD delegates will meet in Riesa in Saxony to elect a new party leadership.

Since the departure of former co-boss Jörg Meuthen, Saxon Tino Chrupalla has been leading the AfD alone.

Chrupalla wants to compete again and will probably have to face Norbert Kleinwaechter, a member of the Bundestag.

This belongs to that wing of the party that describes itself as moderate.

"Let's completely renovate the party and give it a new coat of paint," wrote the 36-year-old in an "Agenda for the party chairmanship".

The paper is available to the dpa.

The AfD MEP Nicolaus Fest is running as second chairman (co-speaker).

Others have not yet officially announced their intention to run.

Before the AfD party conference in Riesa: Björn Höcke comments on the dual leadership

First, however, the party congress has to decide whether it should remain with a single leader or whether the AfD will get a leadership duo again.

The Thuringian AfD right-wing extremist Björn Höcke commented on this question on Facebook.

In the past, the AfD had “unfortunately had little luck in choosing the federal spokesman”: “A spokesman regularly presumed to impose his very personal ideas on the whole party.”

However, Höcke does not see the “double leadership principle” as a “permanent solution”, rather it requires federal spokesmen: “who, regardless of which trend they belong to, develop the power to integrate across all camps”.

The party conference could show whether Höcke is keeping an eye on himself.

Another unclear personality is Alice Weidel.

According to media information, she wants to give up her state presidency in Baden-Württemberg.

Now it is speculated that she could also run for the post of AfD leader.

Chrupalla counter-candidate Kleinwächter sees AfD before party congress as “conservative-liberal people’s party”

In addition to Höcke, Alexander Gauland also spoke up.

Despite the poor results in the past state elections in the west, he sees no east-west divide.

In his own words, he also does not expect that a “directional decision” will be made in Riesa.

“The party is a clear opposition party.

She should stay that way.

Any attempt to turn us into some kind of government likeness I would consider wrong.

But I don't think that's a problem at this party congress," said Gauland.

The AfD party conference is expected to start at 10 a.m. on Friday and end on Sunday.

(Katja Thorwarth)