AfD Re-elects Weidel and Chrupalla as Leaders: What It Means for Immigrants in Germany

Introduction

Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla have been re-elected as co-chairs of the AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) at the party's federal congress in Erfurt. The AfD is currently Germany's second-largest party in the Bundestag, and its platform places strict immigration controls and expanded deportations at its center. For immigrants, expats, and refugees living in Germany, the continued leadership of Weidel and Chrupalla signals that the AfD will maintain its current direction — making this a politically significant moment for anyone whose future in Germany may be shaped by immigration policy debates.

The Re-election Results

Alice Weidel, who also serves as the AfD's lead candidate and has become the party's most prominent public face, improved slightly on her result from two years ago. Tino Chrupalla, by contrast, received fewer delegate votes than at his previous election, reflecting some internal tensions within the party. Both, however, secured their positions as co-leaders, providing continuity in the party's leadership structure.

The congress took place in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia — a state where the AfD has consistently posted some of its strongest electoral results in Germany.

What the AfD Stands For on Immigration

The AfD's policy platform on immigration is among the strictest of any mainstream party in Germany. Key positions include:

• Mass deportations: The party has repeatedly called for the deportation of large numbers of people without secure residence status, including those whose asylum applications have been rejected.
• Border controls: The AfD advocates for permanent, strict border controls and a significant reduction in the number of people allowed to enter Germany to seek asylum.
• Remigration: A term that has become central to AfD rhetoric, referring to policies aimed at encouraging or compelling migrants already living in Germany to leave — including, in some versions, people with German citizenship of migrant background.
• Restricting integration support: The party has opposed funding for Integrationskurse and other programs designed to help newcomers settle in Germany.

It is important to note that the AfD is in opposition in the Bundestag and does not currently govern at the federal level. Its ability to directly implement these policies is therefore limited.

The AfD's Current Political Position

Despite being in opposition federally, the AfD's influence on German political debate has been substantial. The party's rise has pushed other parties — including the CDU/CSU and the SPD — to adopt stricter rhetoric and, in some cases, stricter policies on immigration and asylum. This so-called "agenda-setting" effect means that even when the AfD does not hold power, it can shape the direction of policy.

In several eastern German states, the AfD has become the largest party, and it governs in coalition at the state level in some regions. This gives it concrete influence over local administrative decisions, including some that touch on the lives of foreigners.

What This Means for Immigrants and Expats

For most legally resident foreigners in Germany — including skilled workers on a work visa, Blue Card holders, students, and EU citizens — the re-election of AfD leadership does not trigger any immediate change in your legal status or rights. Immigration law is set at the federal level by the governing coalition (currently CDU/CSU and SPD), not by the AfD.

However, there are practical implications worth being aware of:

• Political climate: The AfD's continued prominence contributes to a broader social and political climate that some immigrants find unwelcoming or concerning. Reports of discrimination and hostility toward visible minorities have been documented by organizations such as the Amadeu Antonio Foundation.
• Policy pressure: The AfD's success puts pressure on governing parties to tighten immigration and asylum rules, which can affect processing times, approval rates, and conditions for residence.
• Local elections: In states and municipalities where the AfD has influence, local administrative decisions — including those at the Ausländerbehörde — can reflect a stricter interpretation of rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AfD being in opposition mean its policies cannot affect me?

Not entirely. While the AfD cannot pass federal laws on its own, its influence on the political debate has led other parties to adopt stricter immigration measures. Additionally, in eastern German states where the AfD is very strong, local governance can be affected.

Is it safe to live in Germany as an immigrant given the AfD's rhetoric?

Germany remains a country with strong constitutional protections for all residents, regardless of origin. The Basic Law (Grundgesetz) guarantees fundamental rights. However, experiences of discrimination vary significantly by region, appearance, and background. If you face discrimination, organizations like the Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes offer free support and advice.

Where can I find reliable information about my legal rights in Germany as a foreigner?

BAMF (the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) provides official information on residence and asylum law. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified immigration lawyer (Fachanwalt für Ausländerrecht).

Conclusion and Next Steps

The re-election of Weidel and Chrupalla keeps the AfD on its current course. For immigrants and expats in Germany, the most important things to remember are: your legal rights are protected by German and EU law regardless of which party leads the opposition, and staying informed about political developments helps you anticipate potential policy shifts. Monitor BAMF communications for any changes to immigration rules, and connect with local expat and migrant communities for peer support.

Source: Tagesschau