Internal Rift Grows in Germany's AfD Over Leader Alice Weidel's Family Life

Alice Weidel, co-chair of Germany's Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), who lives in a same-sex partnership and is raising children, is increasingly finding herself targeted by critics within her own party, according to the latest episode of POLITICO's podcast "Inside AfD." Hosts Pauline von Pezold of POLITICO and Frederik Schindler of Welt examine an internal culture clash in which several senior AfD figures, including leading candidate Ulrich Siegmund, have publicly disparaged Weidel's lifestyle, while other party members have made hostile remarks toward sexual minorities.

Despite historic election results for the AfD in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Berlin, tensions are running high behind the scenes. The podcast cites an internal strategy paper by campaign manager Daniel Fiß that harshly criticizes leading candidate Leif-Erik Holm and calls for the party to pursue a more radical course. The reporting shows how hardline factions within the AfD are using the post-election period to push out officials they consider inconvenient.

Austria and a historical reinterpretation

The episode also looks at developments in Austria, where FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl has surprised observers by presenting himself as pro-Israel — a move that has drawn sharp criticism from AfD politicians who accuse him of succumbing to a so-called "guilt cult." Additionally, the podcast examines a notable historical reinterpretation within the party, addressing why Weidel has publicly described Adolf Hitler as a "left-wing radical."

"Inside AfD" is POLITICO's podcast covering Germany's most controversial party, which continues to grow despite increasing radicalization and monitoring by Germany's domestic intelligence agency. The weekly show explores what drives the party's supporters, strategists and opponents, and what its rise means for Germany's political system.