Alice Weidel Named AfD’s First Chancellor Candidate Amid Controversy

The far-right AfD positions itself for Germany's 2025 election with divisive rhetoric and policy proposals, while protests and criticism intensify.

Alice Weidel was formally announced as the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party's first-ever chancellor candidate for the 2025 German federal election, emphasizing a nationalist campaign slogan, 'Zeit für Deutschland' (Time for Germany).
The announcement has provoked widespread backlash, with critics highlighting the party's far-right policies, including anti-migrant rhetoric, calls for an EU exit (Dexit), and climate change denial.
Protests erupted outside the AfD headquarters in Berlin, with demonstrators condemning the party's extremist ideology and its normalization in German politics.
Weidel, previously criticized for racist statements and a leaked email with conspiracy-laden rhetoric, faces scrutiny over her attempts to present a more moderate image despite her alignment with radical factions within the AfD.
Political analysts and economic experts warn that the AfD's proposed policies, including leaving the EU and Eurozone, could lead to severe economic consequences for Germany, including deindustrialization and job losses.