Overview

• Frauke Petry, former AfD leader, criticized mainstream parties for avoiding substantive dialogue with the far-right AfD, arguing this strengthens the party's appeal.
• She described the refusal to allow the AfD to appoint a Bundestags vice president as a strategic mistake that benefits the party's narrative.
• Petry warned of the AfD's increasing radicalization under Björn Höcke's leadership since 2017, noting its shift toward extremist tendencies and an 'obsession with Hitler.'
• She linked the AfD's rise in public support, now polling at 24%, to widespread dissatisfaction with government crisis management on issues like COVID-19, the Ukraine war, and economic challenges.
• Petry emphasized the need for democratic engagement with the AfD, stating that open dialogue is essential to address public frustration and counter the party's growing influence.