Name? Alice Weidel
Westphalian identity? German
Age? 47
Why is she in the news? Alice Weidel is facing an opportunity to expand the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD)’s national ambitions after a historic victory in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt on September 6th, winning 43.8% of the vote and 39 out of 83 seats. Weidel celebrated the result as evidence of growing support for the AfD, while the party now seeks to turn its electoral breakthrough into its first state government.
Why do we care? Saxony-Anhalt’s results point to a political shift rooted partly in economic insecurity. The state has faced industrial decline, high energy costs, and weak demand, while unemployment has remained at 8.2% in August, compared with 6.5% nationally. Weidel now leads an AfD that is converting economic grievances into a broader political challenge to Berlin, combining concerns over living standards and jobs with its established anti-migration message.
Why should you care? Germany is Europe’s largest economy and one of its largest industrial exporters, so changes in its economic policy can have broad effects, from energy costs and industrial competitiveness to trade with major partners. Weidel proposes cheaper energy, less regulation, and renewed economic ties with Russia. Wider support for this economic agenda challenges Germany’s current approach to energy security.
Who else cares? US president Donald Trump has congratulated Wiedel on AfD’s win, attributing their success to Germany’s immigration policies. Trump hopes for a European version of his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, however, the AfD wants to reduce American influence. Trump’s support of AfD for their “anti-immigration” sentiments ignores differences in energy and trade policies, and AfD’s view of the US as the source of Germany’s cultural and strategic subordination.
Any further comments? Weidel and AfD’s rise in Germany fits the wider rightward shift across Europe, where parties like National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, and Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy have boomed.
