AfD Party Congress 2025: Weidel and Höcke Consolidate Power — What It Means for Immigrants in Germany

Introduction

Germany's far-right AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) held its latest party congress with a clear goal: to present a unified front ahead of upcoming state (Landtag) elections. While the public image was one of cohesion, analysis from political journalists reveals that party leaders Alice Weidel and Björn Höcke used the event to quietly expand their personal influence and networks within the party. For immigrants and expats living in Germany, the AfD's internal dynamics matter — not as abstract politics, but because the party is the loudest and most organized political force pushing for radical reductions in immigration, stricter enforcement of foreigner law, and the rollback of integration programs.

What Happened at the AfD Party Congress?

The congress was designed to signal stability and discipline heading into a cycle of important Landtag elections in German states. On the surface, this was largely achieved: major open conflicts were avoided, and the party appeared aligned on key messages.

However, behind the scenes, both Alice Weidel — the AfD's lead candidate and national figurehead — and Björn Höcke — the party's most radical and influential regional leader — used the congress to deepen their hold over party structures. Both figures leveraged personal loyalties and organizational networks to strengthen their positions.

This matters because in German party politics, internal power determines whose policy agenda gets priority. A stronger Weidel-Höcke axis means an AfD more likely to push harder-line positions on immigration, deportation, and the rights of foreigners living in Germany.

The AfD's Policy Positions on Immigration and Integration

The AfD has consistently campaigned on:

• Mass deportations: The party advocates for the large-scale removal of rejected asylum seekers and, in some internal documents, has discussed scenarios involving the forced departure of people with legal residence status.
• Ending or drastically cutting Bürgergeld for non-citizens: AfD politicians have repeatedly called for restricting social benefits for immigrants.
• Abolishing or reducing Integrationskurse: The party frames integration spending as wasteful and questions the premise that Germany is a country of immigration.
• Stricter Einbürgerung rules: The AfD opposes dual citizenship and wants to raise the bar for naturalization significantly.
• Expanding Ausländerbehörde enforcement powers: The party supports more aggressive use of deportation orders and residence permit restrictions.

While the AfD is currently in opposition at the federal level, it governs in coalition in some eastern German states and exerts real influence on public debate, which in turn pressures other parties to adopt tougher immigration stances.

Why Internal AfD Power Shifts Matter for Expats

Political parties shape the legislative environment even from opposition. As the AfD grows more organizationally coherent and ideologically consistent under Weidel and Höcke, its ability to:

• Propose and pressure legislation in state parliaments where it holds seats
• Influence the policy positions of CDU/CSU and SPD through competitive pressure
• Shape public discourse around immigration enforcement and integration spending

…all increase. The recent tightening of German immigration rules — including faster deportation procedures and stricter checks on benefit claims — has happened in part because mainstream parties have responded to AfD pressure.

For immigrants with pending Aufenthaltstitel renewals, those seeking Niederlassungserlaubnis or Einbürgerung, and those on social benefits, a political climate shaped by AfD success translates into stricter administrative scrutiny and less policy goodwill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AfD's internal politics directly change my residence permit or rights right now?

No. The AfD does not currently govern at the federal level, and changes to foreigner law require a parliamentary majority. Your existing Aufenthaltstitel, work rights, and access to social benefits remain governed by current law. However, the political climate influences how Ausländerbehörde offices implement existing rules and how quickly new, stricter legislation can pass. Staying informed and keeping your paperwork in order is the best protection.

The AfD is polling strongly in some states. Should I be worried about state-level policies?

State governments (Landesregierungen) have limited direct power over immigration law, which is mostly federal. However, states control how laws are implemented locally, including policing, social services, and housing support. In states where the AfD is in coalition or has significant influence, you may notice a stricter administrative tone. If you live in eastern Germany especially, it is worth knowing your rights and having access to a migration counseling service (Migrationsberatung).

Where can I get reliable information about my rights as a foreigner in Germany?

Always start with official sources: BAMF (bamf.de) for immigration and asylum matters, your local Ausländerbehörde for residence permit questions, and the Jobcenter for benefit-related queries. For independent advice, organizations like the Diakonie, Caritas, AWO, and local Migrationsberatungsstellen offer free consultations. If you face discrimination or rights violations, the Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (antidiskriminierungsstelle.de) is the federal anti-discrimination office.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The AfD's internal consolidation of power under Weidel and Höcke does not change German law today, but it reinforces a political trend that has real consequences for immigrants in Germany over time. As state elections approach, the party's performance will shape both local governance and the national debate on immigration and integration.

The most practical response for expats and immigrants is to stay informed, keep personal documentation fully up to date, and know your rights and available support networks. Political climates change, but your legal status is what matters most — and protecting it through accurate paperwork and timely applications is always within your control.

Source: tagesschau