Berlin – Reports indicate that AfD leader Alice Weidel may have requested the resignation of her parliamentary group vice-chair, Stefan Kreuter, after it was revealed he employed his girlfriend as a staff member. Reports suggest that AfD member of parliament Jan Wenzel Schmidt may leave the AfD parliamentary group.
According to information from Bild, Kreuter is resisting calls to resign from the AfD leadership. Schmidt is facing accusations of “behavior damaging to the party.”
The AfD state executive board of Saxony-Anhalt has initiated a party internal commission to develop recommendations regarding employment practices within parliamentary offices and to draft legal regulations to prevent potential abuse, according to a statement released Monday in Magdeburg.
Allegations of Nepotism Extend Within the AfD
Accusations of nepotism are increasing within the AfD. The parliamentary group leader of Rhineland-Palatinate, Damian Lohr, has family members employed within the parliamentary sphere, including his mother, sister, and stepfather. Lohr’s sister is an assistant to the Hessian AfD parliamentary group leader, Robert Lambrou. His stepfather has been employed by the AfD city council in Wiesbaden since January 2022, initially as a political advisor and now as office manager.
It was recently reported that the AfD parliamentary group in Rhineland-Palatinate has employed Lohr’s mother, Ulrike Beckmann, for ten years.
AfD federal deputy chairman Kay Gottschalk stated Monday in the ARD “Morgenmagazin” that he anticipates further cases of cross-employment to emerge in the coming days, stating, “I consider there will be more.”
Gottschalk emphasized that the AfD must “be more transparent with these matters in the future,” adding, “Because whenever they keep something in the dark, rumors and speculation arise.”
In response to the allegations against the AfD, politicians from the CDU and SPD have recently proposed tightening the parliamentary statute. Currently, parliamentarians are prohibited from employing relatives, partners, or former partners at taxpayer expense. However, the employment of such individuals in other parliamentary offices is not regulated. Gottschalk stated the AfD would not oppose a legal regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What action has Alice Weidel reportedly taken?
Alice Weidel reportedly requested the resignation of her parliamentary group vice-chair, Stefan Kreuter, according to reports from Bild.
Who is Jan Wenzel Schmidt?
Jan Wenzel Schmidt is an AfD member of parliament who is reportedly facing accusations of “behavior damaging to the party” and may leave the AfD parliamentary group.
What is the AfD doing in response to these allegations?
The AfD state executive board of Saxony-Anhalt has initiated a party internal commission to review employment practices and draft potential regulations.
As these allegations continue to unfold, will the AfD be able to address concerns about transparency and maintain internal cohesion?
