Speaking about the possibility of the AfD joining Germany’s federal government, Co-Leader Alice Weidel backed the country’s withdrawal from the euro and the Schengen Area. Weidel said Germany’s national borders should be closed and its migration policy tightened further.
In a summer interview focused on the economy, Weidel argued that Germany was in a much stronger economic position before the euro was introduced. She claimed that the euro had weakened the German economy and reduced household wealth.
Border and citizenship policy
Weidel said Germany would close its borders and leave the Schengen Area. The AfD co-leader called for more deportations and fewer citizenship grants.
Weidel also called for Syrians whose protection status has ended to be returned. Her statements reflected the AfD’s goal of taking a tougher approach to migration policy.
Criticism of Merz and Klingbeil
Weidel criticized the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. She also condemned the CDU’s rejection of cooperation with the AfD.
Weidel argued that the AfD would come to power both in the states and at the federal level. She said her party would first enter government in some states and later at the federal level.
Above 40 percent in Saxony-Anhalt
Ahead of the state elections scheduled for September 6, AfD support in Saxony-Anhalt stood above 40 percent. The AfD’s nationwide support was given as 27 percent, while the CDU’s stood at 22 percent.
Opposition to the ban on combustion engines
Weidel reiterated the party’s opposition to the planned ban on internal combustion engines. She also rejected measures aimed at addressing human-caused climate change.
