BERLIN
Alice Weidel, the Chancellor candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), is an unlikely public face for a male-dominated, anti-immigration party that depicts itself as a defender of traditional family values and ordinary people.
The Unlikely Leader
The 46-year-old is raising two sons with a Sri Lankan-born woman, a filmmaker, and speaks fluent English and Mandarin, having done a doctorate in economics in China. A western German leading a party that is strongest in the former communist East, she worked for Goldman Sachs and Allianz Global Investors and as a freelance business consultant before entering politics.
Weidel’s unusual profile is precisely what makes her an asset to the AfD, say political analysts, lending a veneer of well-heeled liberal respectability to a party that is suspected by authorities of being antidemocratic. Typically sporting a dark suit, white shirt and pearls, she comes across as more poised and competent on various topics than some of her colleagues, they say. Her critics call her a ruthless opportunist and a "wolf in sheep’s clothing".
Rise to Power
As AfD co-leader, Weidel has overseen a surge in support for the party in recent years, benefiting from a rising tide of anti-migration sentiment and frustration with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s fractious coalition, which collapsed in November. She has also harnessed widespread anger over a series of violent incidents throughout the election campaign, which have led to the arrests of immigrants.
The Party’s Stance
The AfD is now on track to score a record 21%, behind the conservatives on 29% but well ahead of Scholz’s Social Democrats on 16%, according to polls. This is the first time the AfD has nominated a chancellor candidate, and Weidel has already acknowledged it is unlikely to enter government for now, given other parties refuse to work with it.
However, the firewall could crumble: conservative chief Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, broke a taboo on indirect cooperation with the AfD last month, passing an anti-migration motion in parliament with the party’s support. He rules out governing with them, however. Only with the AfD can the conservatives implement true change, says Weidel, who sees the firewall crumbling by the next election.
Personal Life
Weidel describes her upbringing as "highly political", although her parents did not belong to any party. The youngest of three, she recalls getting into trouble at school for being too argumentative as well as having uncomfortable encounters with Middle Eastern immigrants living in social housing in her West German town.
Economic Views
An economic liberal, Weidel claims late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her role model and wants Germany to push for a Brexit-style referendum on EU membership if it is unable to sufficiently reform the bloc. A climate change sceptic, she wants to lower taxes, end the minimum wage, slim down the state and end the costly shift to a carbon-neutral economy.
VERSATILITY
Weidel’s strength lies in her versatility, said Hans Vorlaender, a political scientist at Dresden University of Technology. She acts as a "moderating, well-mannered bourgeois politician" for established media, but then knows exactly how to reach her more extremist clientele elsewhere, in particular on social media.
Conclusion
Alice Weidel’s rise to power in the AfD has been met with both praise and criticism. While some see her as a moderate force within the party, others believe she is a ruthless opportunist who is using her charm and charisma to further the party’s extremist agenda. As the AfD continues to gain popularity, it remains to be seen whether Weidel’s leadership will be a blessing or a curse for the party and the country as a whole.
FAQs
Q: What is the AfD’s stance on immigration?
A: The AfD is strongly anti-immigration and has called for much tighter restrictions on immigration.
Q: What is Weidel’s stance on climate change?
A: Weidel is a climate change sceptic and wants to end the costly shift to a carbon-neutral economy.
Q: What is Weidel’s economic policy?
A: Weidel is an economic liberal who wants to lower taxes, end the minimum wage, slim down the state and end the costly shift to a carbon-neutral economy.
Q: What is Weidel’s personal life like?
A: Weidel is a single mother of two sons and is in a relationship with a Sri Lankan-born woman. She is fluent in English and Mandarin and has a doctorate in economics from China.