The Alternative for Germany’s top duo, Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel, was confirmed during the party conference in Essen to lead the right-wing opposition party towards assuming government responsibility in the East soon. Despite receiving 79.77 percent support, Weidel won more no votes than Chrupalla, but her speech received longer applause, indicating her favor among the grassroots.
In her speech, Weidel stressed the need for improved communication within the party to present their program clearly to voters. On the other hand, Chrupalla focused on the “middle class” as the AfD’s target group and emphasized the party as one for “value creators.” He also highlighted their readiness for government responsibility in eastern Germany in the next three elections.
Stefan Brandner from Thuringia was confirmed as first deputy, while Peter Boehringer from Bavaria was named second deputy for Weidel and Chrupalla. Despite a challenge from Dirk Spaniel, Kay Gottschalk won third deputy position with his focus on combating perceived “brutalization” from left clashing with Spaniel’s call for national pride.
With Carsten Hütter confirmed as Federal Treasurer, the conference concluded with a sign of efficiencies in personnel decisions. The role of regional associations in resolving conflicts through prior agreements was noted, raising questions about balance between professionalization and grassroots democracy within the party.
