AfD leader Vincentz wins power struggle at controversial NRW party congress

The North Rhine-Westphalian AfD party congress concluded with a victory for state leader Martin Vincentz in a contentious internal power struggle. Despite accusations of irregularities from the federal AfD leadership, Vincentz secured the top spot on the state list, with his supporters reportedly filling most of the 82 allocated positions. This outcome could be crucial for the 2027 state elections, as an estimated 30 positions might be sufficient for a parliamentary seat.

The congress was marked by deep divisions within the NRW AfD, split between Vincentz's more moderate faction and a further-right group. The opposing faction walked out in protest, with Vice-State Chairman Christian Zaum calling it a "party congress of shame." They argued the list did not adequately represent all party currents. The opposition had previously disrupted the process by nominating a large number of candidates, overwhelming the schedule.

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a party congress of shame

Vincentz faced criticism from Berlin, with AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla and spokesperson Alice Weidel alleging irregularities in the candidate list nominations. They called for the congress to be canceled and restarted. Vincentz, however, countered that the opposition's aim was to generate a list favorable to the federal executive. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of the federal AfD board rejecting the NRW list or removing Vincentz as state leader, potentially necessitating new elections. Vincentz expressed confidence that his supporters would prevail again if new elections were held, asserting that the current list is legally sound.

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The list is legally sound.