Stefan Möller, a close associate of Björn Höcke and co-state leader of the AfD in Thuringia, is reportedly aiming for the position of Vice-Party Chair, standing as a potential deputy to national leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla. According to reports from “Die Welt”, Möller intends to run for Vice-Federal Chair at the AfD’s federal party congress in Erfurt in early July.
This candidacy has reportedly received the backing of Höcke, the party chairpersons Weidel and Chrupalla, and the network surrounding Bundestag faction vice-chair Sebastian Münzenmaier, making it unlikely that significant contenders will challenge him.
The decision necessitates that Stephan Brandner, who has served as deputy party chief since 2019, step aside. The newspaper informed us that Möller and Brandner came to an agreement at the end of April regarding Brandner’s decision not to stand for Vice-Party Chief again.
A critical factor motivating Möller’s run is dissatisfaction within the Thuringian state executive body regarding Brandner’s long tenure as Federal Vice-Chair. Members of the Thuringian leadership have long accused Brandner of prioritizing his own interests over those of the regional association.
When asked about the criticisms leveled by his colleagues, Brandner declined to comment publicly, telling “Die Welt”, “The public says, ‘Stop when things are at their best.'” He added, “I will not be running as the deputy spokesperson again for the time being. The AfD is flourishing; we are by far the strongest party in Germany”. While confirming he would not cease his work, Brandner emphasized that Germany and his party remain too important to him, but that he plans to focus on different priorities in his political efforts soon.
