Internal divisions within the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt have escalated, with the state leadership initiating expulsion proceedings against two prominent members. The move, announced on Monday, signals a deepening power struggle within the far-right party and raises questions about internal control mechanisms.
The most significant action targets Jan Wenzel Schmidt, a Bundestag representative and former general secretary of the AfD. Schmidt faces expulsion based on alleged violations of the party’s internal rules, a vaguely worded accusation that nonetheless points to a significant breach of discipline. The specifics of the alleged infractions remain undisclosed, fueling speculation about potential disagreements over strategy or ideology. Schmidt’s high-ranking position underscores the gravity of the situation and could represent a deliberate effort to marginalize influential figures within the party.
Adding another layer of complexity, the state leadership has also requested the expulsion of Matthias Lieschke. The accusation against Lieschke revolves around his presence near the location where a sensitive and potentially incriminating audio recording of an internal video conference was made. While the exact nature of the content on the recording is not publicly known, the implication is that Lieschke may possess knowledge of information the party wishes to suppress. Critics suggest this action is less about Lieschke’s actions themselves and more about controlling the flow of information within the party and protecting key individuals.
The decisions to pursue these expulsion requests were reportedly triggered by a unanimous demand from a gathering of AfD district leaders on December 1st. This coordinated action highlights the growing influence of regional factions within the party and the potential for orchestrated campaigns against perceived rivals.
The AfD has pledged to refrain from further public statements until the state arbitration committee completes its proceedings. This silence suggests a desire to avoid further inflaming tensions or revealing potentially damaging details. However, the very initiation of these expulsion procedures underscores the fragility of internal cohesion within the AfD and the ongoing, often opaque, battles for control shaping its direction. Political analysts suggest this internal turmoil could impact the party’s electoral performance and further destabilize its image, even as it continues to gain traction in certain segments of the German population.
