Following nepotism allegations in Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia (see prior coverage), the AfD scandal escalates in North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, pitting party factions against each other and pressuring federal leaders Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel. NRW faces a leadership showdown at its Marl congress, while top Baden-Württemberg candidate Markus Frohnmaier grapples with family hiring claims.
This weekend's AfD party congress in Marl, North Rhine-Westphalia, tests deepening internal rifts. A months-long dispute pits state leader Martin Vincentz's camp (backing Chrupalla) against völkisch figures like MP Matthias Helferich. Vincentz aims for sole re-election, but Helferich's group pushes dual leadership with Fabian Jacobi and Christian Zaum. The vote's outcome remains uncertain, potentially undermining Chrupalla federally.
Helferich, suspended locally but facing federal arbitration, rallied Thuringia's Björn Höcke for support and demanded stricter nepotism measures—rejected Tuesday. Allegations target Vincentz allies: Faction deputy Stefan Keuter employs his partner; MP Hauke Finger faces similar claims. Vincentz counters that Jacobi previously dated a staffer (ended 2021). Jacobi declined comment.
In Baden-Württemberg, Frohnmaier's polls hover below 20%—double 2021's 9.7%—but internal woes mount. Running only as minister-president candidate (not state list), he plans Bundestag retention. His pre-election Trump supporter trip draws fire; Torben Braga warned on X (Feb 18) of fallout from weak results.
Family ties fuel scrutiny: Frohnmaier's wife works for incoming MP Diana Zimmer (his campaign manager); his adoptive father for Zimmer too. As state chair, he shapes candidate picks, hinting at favoritism. Frohnmaier unified a divided association, but these links risk backlash for Weidel.
