The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party faces another setback as the Identity and Democracy (ID) group distances itself from Maximilian Krah, the AfD’s lead candidate for the European elections, following his controversial comments defending the Waffen SS.
This decision follows a turbulent period for the AfD, with Marine Le Pen of France’s Rassemblement National recently severing ties with the party, deeming it too toxic. Krah’s remarks, coupled with allegations against his aide for espionage and internal issues like adverse court rulings and controversial discussions among senior members, have further tarnished the AfD’s reputation and led to a significant drop in its support.
Despite these challenges, AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla remain optimistic about the upcoming elections, expressing confidence in maintaining reliable alliances in the new legislative period.
The party’s plea to the ID group to exclude only Krah, in hopes of preventing the expulsion of the entire AfD delegation, reflects their desperation to salvage their standing within the European far-right coalition. The AfD’s struggles illustrate the broader divisions and challenges faced by nationalist and eurosceptic parties within the European assembly as they navigate internal controversies and external perceptions.
