Controversial Donation Raises Questions for AfD Ahead of Election

As the Bundestag elections approach, a substantial donation to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has sparked significant scrutiny. An Austrian national has reportedly contributed approximately EUR2.35 million to the party, but reports suggest that the true source of these funds may be questionable.

Parties in Germany are permitted to accept donations to support various activities, including electoral campaigns. As of March 5, 2024, all donations exceeding EUR35,000 must be publicly disclosed and reported to the President of the German Bundestag promptly, a decrease from the previous threshold of EUR50,000.

The donation in question, recorded on February 1, comes from Gerhard Dingler, an Austrian businessman and member of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). However, investigative reports from German and Austrian media allege that Dingler might be acting as a mere intermediary, or 'straw man,' for another individual. According to these reports, Dingler received EUR2.6 million from Henning Conle, a billionaire real estate investor from Duisburg, Germany.

Dingler allegedly informed his bank that he intended to use these funds for a real estate project, yet approximately EUR2.35 million was subsequently transferred to a poster advertising firm in Cologne. This exact amount was then reported by the AfD to the Bundestag administration.

The reasons behind Conle not donating directly to the AfD, despite the legality of such an action, remain unclear. If the AfD is found to have been aware of Dingler's role as a conduit for undisclosed funds, it could face severe penalties under German party financing laws. Specifically, the law prohibits parties from accepting donations that are clearly identified as being forwarded from an undisclosed third party. In such a scenario, the party could be subjected to a fine amounting to three times the illegal donation, potentially exceeding EUR7 million.

Such a financial penalty would pose a significant challenge for the AfD, which is projected to be one of the leading parties in the upcoming elections. Conversely, if the party can demonstrate that it was unaware of any impropriety regarding the donation, it may avoid penalties, even if Dingler acted collusively with the party's treasurer without the broader party's knowledge.

A spokesperson for the AfD leadership insisted that the party is confident in its compliance with legal guidelines concerning donations and maintains that it has engaged in thorough communication with Bundestag officials regarding its financial practices. The party's national treasurer has also stated that Dingler assured them that the donation was made from his personal assets.

Under current regulations, any unlawful donations must be reported to the President of the Bundestag without delay, ideally at the time of filing the annual financial report. To avoid penalties, the AfD may need to take steps to return the funds in question.