AfD in North Rhine-Westphalia to Withdraw Injunction Against Federal Leadership Amid Internal Dispute

The North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) chapter of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party intends to retract a temporary injunction it filed against the party's federal executive board. This decision comes amid an escalating internal conflict that has drawn the attention of the federal leadership.

According to an email from NRW state chairman Martin Vincentz, obtained by DIE ZEIT, the injunction was aimed at preventing the federal board from interfering in the state chapter's election assembly for the 2027 state elections. Vincentz stated his intention was not to conflict with the federal leadership or to appear dismissive of their decisions.

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It was never my intention to get into conflict with you, or to give the impression of not taking decisions of the federal executive board seriously.

The dispute originated from internal power struggles within the NRW chapter. Supporters of Vincentz are in contention with a slightly weaker faction aligned with Alice Weidel, a prominent federal leader. The recent candidate selection meeting was marred by accusations of blackmail and physical altercations, leading to multiple criminal complaints and chaotic voting sessions.

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Delegates were threatened and put under considerable pressure.

In response to the turmoil, the federal board demanded the NRW chapter halt the assembly and restart the elections, citing alleged threats and pressure on delegates. The state leadership rejected this, prompting the injunction. Now, Vincentz expresses regret over the "reciprocal escalation" and seeks de-escalation to prevent damage to the party, particularly with upcoming elections in other states.

Meanwhile, the federal AfD leadership had announced plans to establish an investigative commission to scrutinize the NRW chapter's decisions, including its finances and membership practices. This internal strife highlights significant divisions within the party as it navigates crucial electoral periods.

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I regret the reciprocal escalation of the past few days.