Germany's AfD faces internal chaos as scandals overshadow poll surge
Germany's far-right AfD party is facing growing internal conflict over claims of cronyism and leadership disputes. In North Rhine-Westphalia, allegations of improper hiring have sparked a power struggle, while in eastern states, the party's rising poll numbers contrast with its internal instability.
At the centre of the storm is MP Klaus Esser, accused of employing an 85-year-old woman in a role now under parliamentary scrutiny. Meanwhile, factions led by Matthias Helferich are pushing to remove state leader Martin Vincentz, with rumours that co-leader Alice Weidel backs the move.
The AfD has seen a sharp rise in support across eastern Germany. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, its backing climbed from 17% to similar levels in recent polls. The surge is even more pronounced in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party now commands around 39%—nearly double its previous 21%. Analysts link the growth to voter concerns over the economy and migration, though specific policy details remain unclear.
Yet internal divisions threaten to undermine this momentum. In North Rhine-Westphalia, MP Enxhi Seli-Zacharias stands accused of hiring the wife of a local AfD member on a mini-job contract, fuelling claims of favouritism. Klaus Esser, another MP, faces separate allegations of falsifying parts of his résumé, leading to a temporary ban from party offices. He has defended himself by promising evidence of the 85-year-old employee's work, rejecting suggestions she was unfit for the role. The turmoil has drawn a rare admission from AfD leader Björn Höcke, who warned the party could fail due to self-inflicted damage. The power struggle escalated further as Helferich's faction moved against Vincentz, with whispers that Weidel, the party's federal co-leader, supports the ousting. Parliamentary authorities are now examining the hiring practices, deepening the crisis.
The AfD's growing electoral strength in eastern states contrasts sharply with its internal chaos. Parliamentary investigations into hiring practices and leadership challenges now risk overshadowing its political gains. How the party resolves these disputes could determine its future stability—and its ability to hold onto voter trust.
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