The right-wing nationalist-populist Alternative for Germany, which according to the latest opinion polls would become the second-largest party in the German Bundestag if general elections were held soon, will present its own candidate for chancellor for the first time in the next general election scheduled for 2025.
The decision was announced by party chairman Alice Weidel. According to Weidel, the party, which was founded only a decade ago, would have presented its own candidate even if it had not gained such popularity in opinion polls.
Alternative for Germany chairman Alice Weidel, photo: Reuters
According to these polls, Alternative for Germany is expected to receive 20% of the vote, more than the current ruling Social Democratic party. However, the Federal Agency for the Protection of the Constitution, the German Shin Bet, has begun proceedings that could lead to the outlawing of this party, defining it as suspected of undermining Germany's democratic order. It is important to note that in Germany there are no separate elections for prime minister. Chancellor is appointed leader of the largest party in the Bundestag if he is able to form a coalition. Thus, the Weidel declaration has only symbolic significance: an expression of hope that the party she heads will become the largest party in Germany.
Yesterday, the Constitutional Defense Agency published a report according to which the increase in the number of extreme right-wing activists is related to the addition of Alternative for Germany activists to the category of extreme right-wing activists, following the declaration of the party as suspected of threatening Germany's democratic order. The head of the agency expressed concern about the rise in public support for the Alternative for Germany in recent polls. In the last general election, Alternative received about 10% of the total vote, meaning that it is expected to double its power.
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