The AfD faction in the Rhineland-Palatinate state parliament has voted out its leader Jan Bollinger shortly after a strong election result. Michael Büge takes over as new faction head. Bollinger remains in the faction and calls for loyalty to the party.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Rhineland-Palatinate achieved the best result in western Germany in the recent state election. Nevertheless, the faction voted out its top candidate Jan Bollinger by a narrow majority. According to the new leader Michael Büge, the move was about professionalization and reflecting key issues such as health, finances, education, and climate and environmental protection. „We decided to elect a faction executive who represents the core issues important in Rhineland-Palatinate according to all polls through its members,“ Büge told Junge Freiheit. He stressed: „It's about positioning ourselves more professionally for the future. We must advance professionalization to become government-capable.“ Party colleagues criticized Bollinger's team spirit, accusing him of lacking cooperation. Bollinger felt sidelined, as campaign events in the final phase were planned without him. He assured: „I remain chairman of the existing state parliament faction until May 18, 2026, and will certainly speak with Michael Büge in this capacity.“ He added: „To disappointed members and voters, I say: Stay loyal to our AfD and fight on with me! Solving our country's urgent problems is more important than personal feelings.“ Bollinger offered to resume his role as domestic policy spokesperson. The vote was reportedly 18 to 6.
