Alternative for Germany
A clear guide to Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Germany: its history, right-wing populism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Germany
- Founded
- 2013
- Position
- Far-right
- Leader
- Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla
- Headquarters
- Berlin
Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a right-wing populist and national-conservative party, parts of which are described as völkisch nationalist. After the 2025 election it became the second-largest party and the largest opposition party in the Bundestag. It is led by Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla. Other parties maintain a "firewall" and refuse to govern with it.
History
The AfD was founded in 2013 by economists and conservatives opposed to the eurozone bailouts. It shifted to the right after 2015, focusing on opposition to Angela Merkel's refugee policy, and entered the Bundestag in 2017 as the third-largest party.
It is strongest in the former East German states. In 2025 the domestic intelligence service classified the party as a confirmed right-wing extremist organisation, a classification suspended by a court injunction in 2026 pending a ruling.
Economic Policy
The AfD favours lower taxes and less regulation, a return to nuclear power and cheap Russian gas, and opposes the energy transition and EU climate policy. It has argued for leaving the euro.
Foreign Policy
The AfD is strongly Eurosceptic and has floated the idea of leaving the EU. It opposes sanctions on Russia and military aid to Ukraine, and sits with Europe of Sovereign Nations in the European Parliament.
Where They Stand
- Seeks sharp cuts to immigration and large-scale deportations
- Opposes sanctions on Russia and arms deliveries to Ukraine
- Calls for a return to nuclear power and cheaper energy
- Opposes the energy transition and EU climate policy
- Is strongly sceptical of the EU and the euro
Electoral Record
The AfD won 12.6 percent in 2017, 10.3 percent in 2021 and 20.8 percent in 2025, its best result. It won the 2024 Thuringia state election, the first time a far-right party had come first in a German state election since the Second World War.
Position on the Political Compass
Alternative for Germany sits on the right-leaning side on economics and is more authoritarian on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Alexander Gauland
Honorary chairman
A former CDU official who led the party into the Bundestag in 2017.
Alice Weidel
Co-leader
The party's chancellor candidate in 2025 and co-leader of its Bundestag group.
Björn Höcke
Thuringia leader
The leading figure of the party's most radical wing.
Sources and Further Reading
- Alternative for Germany (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websiteafd.de
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Germany political test to see how your views compare with Alternative for Germany and the other parties.
Take the Germany Test
Social Policy
The party seeks drastic cuts to immigration, including large-scale deportations, and opposes what it calls gender ideology. Some leading figures have promoted "remigration". It is socially conservative and promotes the traditional family.