AfD Deputy Leader Refutes Claims of Weidel's Request for Resignation Amid Nepotism Allegations

Amid ongoing allegations of nepotism within the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, deputy parliamentary leader Stefan Keuter has denied reports suggesting that party chair Alice Weidel requested his resignation. Recent media coverage, particularly by national outlets, indicated that Weidel had allegedly urged Keuter to step down following scrutiny over his staffing decisions in the Bundestag.

Keuter addressed these claims, stating that there has been no such demand from Weidel regarding his role as deputy parliamentary leader. He clarified that discussions within the parliamentary board focused on the employment of a staff member in his office. According to Keuter, the individual in question is not a direct relative, and there is no conflict of interest or fictitious employment, as the staff member has been with his office since 2022 and does not share his residence.

The controversy arose after investigative reports suggested that Keuter had employed a woman with whom he allegedly has a private relationship, and that she received public funds in her role. Further inquiries reported her name being registered at Keuter's private address, raising questions about the nature of their connection. Keuter dismissed suggestions of a personal relationship, explaining that her mail was delivered to his address for practical reasons.

Additionally, the AfD parliamentary spokesperson has refuted allegations that Weidel requested Keuter's resignation, emphasizing that the party leadership has not called for such action. The spokesperson also addressed the case of lawmaker Jan Wenzel Schmidt, clarifying that while disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against him, there have been no formal demands for him to leave the parliamentary group.

Jan Wenzel Schmidt, another AfD member, has himself faced accusations of nepotism within the party's Saxony-Anhalt division. Reports allege that he kept compromising material on other party members and used it to exert pressure. In response, the Saxony-Anhalt regional branch suspended Schmidt, and the AfD's national leadership is supporting expulsion proceedings against him, citing conduct detrimental to the party. Schmidt is also accused of leveraging his Bundestag seat to foster business relationships, including connections with China.

The increasing reports of nepotism and internal disputes have prompted criticism from other political figures. The Chancellor has remarked on the prevalence of favoritism, internal conflicts, and misuse of public funds within the AfD, expressing concern that these issues undermine the party's claims of being an alternative to the mainstream political establishment.

In light of these developments, the AfD continues to face scrutiny over its internal practices and the transparency of its operations within the Bundestag. The party's leadership maintains that they are addressing the allegations through appropriate internal processes, while denying unsubstantiated claims regarding forced resignations or expulsions without due procedure.