Overview
- The AfD has provisionally transferred €2.35 million to the Bundestagsverwaltung to avoid potential higher penalties during an ongoing party-finance inquiry.
- The funds relate to a 2025 campaign donation purportedly from Austrian ex-FPÖ politician Gerhard Dingler, which is under scrutiny as a potential strawman contribution.
- Investigations suggest Dingler may have received €2.6 million shortly before the donation from German billionaire Henning Conle, raising suspicions of third-party financing.
- German law prohibits strawman donations, requiring immediate disclosure and transfer to the Bundestag if violations are suspected.
- The AfD disputes the allegations, denies knowledge of any wrongdoing, and plans to pursue legal action to reclaim the funds if the investigation clears them.