Overview
- The AfD state board in Saxony‑Anhalt voted nine to eleven to launch an expedited expulsion process against Schmidt, shifting the decision to the party’s arbitration court in a procedure that could last months.
- In an email to party leaders, Schmidt pledged to send weekly structured dossiers starting in the second week of January, saying they will include names, figures, and documents to substantiate his claims.
- Police have maintained visible patrols near Schmidt’s home outside Magdeburg after he was deemed at risk, and he has added surveillance cameras to his property, according to reporting.
- Schmidt has alleged nepotism and irregular travel and expense practices in the state branch, citing privately motivated trips presented as parliamentary work, while a board circular defended most employment as proper.
- The feud unfolds as polls place the AfD near 40 percent in the state and CDU lead candidate Sven Schulze warns that AfD rule would severely harm Saxony‑Anhalt and Germany ahead of the September 6, 2026 election.