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4mo ago

AfD Receives Record €1.5 Million Donation from Controversial Entrepreneur

Winfried Stöcker, a former FDP member and medtech entrepreneur, donates the largest single sum in the party's history, raising questions about political funding in Germany.

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Von ihm stammt die größte Spende an die AfD aller Zeitern: Euroimmun-Gründer Winfried Stöcker. FOTO: picture alliance/dpa | Marcus Brandt
Portrait von Winfried Stöcker

Overview

  • Winfried Stöcker, a 77-year-old entrepreneur and founder of Euroimmun, donated €1.5 million to the AfD, marking the largest single donation in the party's history.
  • Stöcker, known for a controversial illegal COVID-19 vaccine trial in 2021, has long voiced support for the AfD and previously made smaller donations to the party.
  • The Bundestag disclosed the donation, which is also the largest political contribution in Germany so far in 2025, prompting renewed calls for stricter donation limits by groups like Lobbycontrol.
  • Stöcker has faced criticism for past racist and sexist remarks, leading institutions like the University of Lübeck to distance themselves from him.
  • The donation highlights growing financial support for the AfD, which some view as a sign of normalization of the far-right party in German politics.