The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has named party leader Alice Weidel as its first chancellor nominee ahead of snap elections in February. Weidel, who speaks Mandarin and has experience in finance, is positioning the party to challenge the current government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Despite being widely seen as a symbolic candidacy due to lack of support from other parties, the AfD is polling strongly due to discontent with Scholz’s government and anti-immigration sentiments. Weidel’s nomination has raised concerns among critics who view her as a ruthless opportunist. The AfD’s rise in popularity, particularly in the east, has led to its branches being monitored by the intelligence agency as “proven right-wing extremist” groups. Other candidates vying for the chancellorship include Scholz, Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats, and Robert Habeck of the Greens. The announcement of Weidel as the AfD’s candidate for chancellor underscores the party’s aspirations for power and its growing influence on German politics.
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Germany’s far-right AfD selects chancellor candidate for the first time
