AfD state leader Vincentz wins power struggle, tops NRW list amid controversy

Martin Vincentz, the leader of the AfD in North Rhine-Westphalia, has emerged victorious from a power struggle at the state party congress, securing the first position on the party's list for the 2027 state elections. The congress, held in Marl, concluded with 82 list positions filled, with Vincentz's supporters reportedly taking the vast majority.

The state chapter of the AfD has been deeply divided for some time between a more moderate wing led by Vincentz and a further-right faction. This internal conflict came to a head at the congress, with the opposing camp staging a walkout in protest. The vice-state leader, Christian Zaum, denounced the event as a "party congress of shame," arguing that the list did not adequately represent all party currents.

Adding to the controversy, national AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla accused Vincentz of irregularities in the candidate nomination process. They called for the list's compilation to be halted and the congress restarted. Vincentz, however, countered that the opposition's actions were aimed at generating a list favorable to the federal leadership.

The future of the list and Vincentz's leadership remains unclear. The federal AfD board could refuse to recognize the NRW election list or even depose Vincentz as state leader, necessitating new elections. Vincentz, however, expressed confidence, stating that his supporters would prevail again and asserting that the adopted list is legally sound.