Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reaffirmed its hardline stance and ambition to govern, wrapping up its national convention in Erfurt. Co-leader Alice Weidel, re-elected with 81.3% of the vote, pointed to opinion polls showing the party leading nationwide with 30% support.

Weidel's co-chair Tino Chrupalla saw his support drop to 70%, while many of Weidel's allies were elected to the new federal board, strengthening her influence. Six of the 14 board members come from state branches classified as right-wing extremist by Germany's domestic intelligence.

New board members include Jean-Pascal Hohm, head of the party's youth group 'Generation Deutschland', who previously lost his job due to contacts with right-wing extremists. Stefan Möller from Thuringia, a close ally of controversial figure Björn Höcke, will oversee the party's dealings with security authorities.

The AfD is officially classified as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization in five German states and is under observation as a suspected extremist group in six others and at the federal level. Authorities cite repeated statements questioning the equality of migrants, Muslims, and Black people.

The convention avoided major internal clashes, but also lacked substantive policy debate. Weidel's speech focused on general criticism of government policies over the past 20 years, avoiding concrete proposals. She called for a return to nuclear energy, resumption of Russian gas deliveries, and an end to climate measures and support for Ukraine.

Tens of thousands protested against the AfD in Erfurt, with rallies backed by unions, churches, and civil society. Jens-Christian Wagner, director of the Buchenwald Memorial, told the AfD: 'Remigrate yourselves into the history books,' referencing the party's term for mass deportations.

Source: www.dw.com