North Rhine-Westphalia: AfD MP Helferich alleges assault by party colleague

Matthias Helferich, a member of the Bundestag for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has accused his colleague Knuth Meyer-Soltau of verbal abuse and physical assault during a state representative assembly in Marl, North Rhine-Westphalia. Helferich claims Meyer-Soltau insulted him and pushed him from his chair, stating his intention to file a criminal complaint over the incident.

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He insulted me and pushed me off my chair.

Meyer-Soltau has vehemently denied Helferich's allegations. He suggested that Helferich, having suffered a "crushing defeat" at the assembly, is now "apparently seeking satisfaction elsewhere." Meyer-Soltau indicated he would involve his lawyer and potentially the investigative authorities regarding the matter.

The AfD's federal leadership has also commented on the situation, expressing criticism. Daniel Tapp, a spokesperson for party leaders Alice Weidel, remarked to The Pioneer, "It is sad when one has to remind people of the minimum standards of social discourse." This statement reflects the party's concern over the internal conflict.

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I deny the accusation made.

Further allegations surfaced during the assembly concerning the state list for the 2027 North Rhine-Westphalian state election. One delegate claimed a board member from the camp of state top candidate Martin Vincentz threatened a state parliament member from the Wuppertal district association with exclusion from the parliamentary group if a crucial vote for another candidate, Klaus Esser, was not secured. The party leadership also addressed this, with Tapp stating, "Ms. Weidel does not think that is good. That should not happen."

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It is sad when one has to remind people of the minimum standards of social discourse.

The assembly was marked by a power struggle between the factions supporting Vincentz, who is associated with federal chairman Tino Chrupalla, and Helferich, who is considered close to Weidel. Ultimately, the Vincentz faction achieved a clear victory in the list selection over Helferich's supporters.

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Ms. Weidel does not think that is good. That should not happen.