The power struggle within the Thuringian AfD before the municipal elections has intensified. The state executive committee has initiated expulsion proceedings against nine members, accusing them of causing serious harm to the party. The conflict stems from a disagreement over two competing candidate lists for the upcoming local elections in Thuringia.
According to a report by “Stern,” the state executive committee, led by Björn Höcke, has filed a motion for the expulsion of nine party members who have allegedly violated the party’s rules in a significant way, causing substantial damage. The AfD leadership in Thuringia has described the situation as a “conspiracy” against the party’s democratic decisions. Among the members facing expulsion is a member of the state parliament, which is also led by Höcke.
The dispute in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt region revolves around the participation of two competing AfD candidate lists in the local elections. The AfD and the Alternative for the County of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt (AfL) are both planning to field their own lists for the Kreistag. The state AfD, which has been classified as right-wing extremist by the Thuringian state intelligence service, and its leader Höcke are supporting the AfL in this conflict.
One of the members facing expulsion, AfD state parliament member Karlheinz Frosch, was reportedly elected as the top candidate on the AfD list for the Kreistag elections in Saalfeld-Rudolstadt. However, the local AfD chapter attempted to invalidate the election, claiming that not enough candidates had been chosen. Frosch successfully challenged this decision in court. The local elections in Thuringia on May 26 will also include the election of many district administrators, mayors, and municipal councils. Additionally, Höcke is currently facing trial for allegedly using a Nazi slogan during a campaign event in 2021.
The trial against Höcke is ongoing, with a verdict expected to be delivered on Tuesday. If convicted, he may face a fine, but imprisonment could potentially lead to the loss of his political rights. Despite these legal challenges, Höcke remains the lead candidate for the Thuringian AfD in the state election on September 1. The presiding judge has indicated that a monetary penalty is more likely in this case. The election will play a crucial role in determining the future leadership and direction of the party in Thuringia.
