The Rise of Alice Weidel and the German Far-Right
Alice Weidel, the chancellor candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), is an atypical face for a party that is largely dominated by men and holds anti-immigration views. As a western German leading a party that is strongest in the former communist East, Weidel's profile stands out.
A Distinct Profile
The 46-year-old, who is raising two sons with a Sri Lankan-born woman, speaks fluent English and Mandarin and holds a doctorate in economics from China. After working for Goldman Sachs and Allianz Global Investors, she joined the AfD in 2013.
Analysts believe that Weidel's unique background brings a veneer of respectability to the AfD, a party often associated with antidemocratic sentiments.
Political Trajectory
As AfD co-leader, Weidel has overseen a surge in support for the party. Benefiting from rising anti-migration sentiment and frustration with the government's policies, the AfD is on track to score a record 21% in the upcoming federal election.
Weidel is seen as a pragmatic politician, able to appeal to a broader public than the AfD's traditional constituency. Her poise and competence set her apart from her colleagues, who are often perceived as extremist.
Ideological Tensions
While Weidel claims Margaret Thatcher as her role model and advocates for economic liberalism, she also supports stricter immigration policies, tapping into concerns about large-scale arrivals from the Middle East.
Weidel has acknowledged some friction within the party over her personal lifestyle, as the AfD opposes gay marriage and same-sex adoption. However, she navigates these issues skillfully, tolerating rather than reining in the more extremist factions.
A Seismic Shift
The AfD's rise, and Weidel's role within it, marks a seismic shift in German politics. The party's success is seen as a reflection of discontent with the status quo and a growing fear of demographic change.
As the AfD consolidates its position in Germany's political landscape, it remains to be seen how Weidel's unique profile will shape the party's future and its potential impact on governance in Europe's largest economy.
