Germany's far-right AfD party is making headlines — not because of its immigration positions this time, but because of a significant internal power struggle. The party's national co-chairs, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, have publicly demanded that the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state branch stop its candidate selection process for the 2026 state parliament (Landtag) election. For expats and immigrants in Germany, the AfD is the party most closely associated with hardline anti-immigration rhetoric. Understanding its internal dynamics can help you read the broader political landscape — and anticipate how immigration policy debates may shift in the months ahead.
The conflict centres on how the NRW branch is selecting and ranking its candidates for the upcoming Landtag election. The federal leadership claims the process is irregular or insufficiently controlled, and has intervened by calling for the entire candidate selection to be suspended. This kind of open clash between a state branch and national leadership is unusual even by AfD standards, and signals genuine fractures within the party's organisational structure.
NRW is Germany's most populous state, with over 18 million residents. Performing well there is strategically critical for any party with national ambitions. A chaotic or disputed candidate list could cost the AfD seats — and credibility — at a moment when it is trying to consolidate electoral gains made in recent federal and state votes.
The AfD has consistently pushed for the most restrictive immigration policies of any major party represented in German parliament. Its platform includes calls for mass deportations, sharp reductions in asylum recognition, and rolling back integration programmes. When the AfD performs strongly in elections, it puts pressure on mainstream parties to adopt tougher immigration stances as well — a dynamic that directly affects anyone living in Germany on a visa, residence permit, or in the asylum process.
An AfD weakened by internal conflict may be less effective as a political force in the short term. However, internal struggles can also radicalise parties or produce more extreme candidate profiles as factions compete for dominance. Neither outcome is guaranteed, and immigrants should avoid reading this as straightforwardly good or bad news.
North Rhine-Westphalia is home to a large and diverse immigrant population, including significant communities from Turkey, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. State-level elections in NRW historically influence the national political mood. The state parliament controls policies around education, policing, and local integration measures — all areas that touch immigrant life directly.
The NRW Landtag election is expected in 2026. The current governing coalition is led by the CDU. How the AfD resolves — or fails to resolve — its internal dispute will shape how competitive it is in that race.
No. German immigration and residence law is set at the federal level. An internal party dispute does not alter existing rules around visas, Aufenthaltstitel, or Einbürgerung. Your current rights and status remain unchanged regardless of AfD internal politics.
It is reasonable to monitor the political climate, but avoid acting on speculation. German law provides strong protections for legal residents. If you have concerns about your specific situation — especially if you are in an asylum process or holding a temporary permit — consult a qualified immigration lawyer or contact BAMF for official guidance.
The official BAMF website (bamf.de) publishes policy updates in multiple languages. Local Ausländerbehörde offices can answer questions specific to your residence status. Reputable German news outlets and platforms like Deutschland4U provide ongoing context in English.
The AfD's internal conflict in NRW is a signal worth noting, not a reason to panic. Political parties go through power struggles — what matters for immigrants and expats is how the broader policy environment evolves over the coming months. Keep an eye on state election results, government coalition agreements, and any proposed changes to federal immigration law. Stay informed, keep your documents up to date, and seek professional advice if your residence situation is uncertain.
Source: tagesschau
Want news like this in your inbox?
The most relevant news for expats in Germany, no noise.
The AfD could make history in Saxony-Anhalt's state election. Here's what that means for migrants and people with a migration background living in Germany.
The AfD is using provocative live streamers to amplify its political message in Germany. Here's what this media strategy means for the political climate expats live in.
Unions, churches and sports clubs join forces to offer practical help to victims of right-wing extremist attacks and threats in Germany — including support for volunteers.
