Rottweil, Germany – The AfD’s (Alternative for Germany) campaign for the Baden-Württemberg state elections has been thrown into disarray as its leading candidate, Markus Frohnmaier, spent the final days before the vote in the United States, sparking criticism from within his own party. AfD federal leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla concluded their campaign efforts in Rottweil on Thursday without Frohnmaier’s presence, a move signaling significant internal tensions as the election nears.
The unexpected trip, occurring just two days before the election, has drawn ire from Weidel and Chrupalla, who reportedly felt sidelined by Frohnmaier’s absence. The party leadership closed out the campaign with a rally in Rottweil, but conspicuously avoided mentioning Frohnmaier’s name during their speeches, according to reports. This silence underscores the growing rift within the AfD as it attempts to solidify its position in the upcoming election.
Frohnmaier’s journey to Washington D.C. Was framed as an opportunity to engage in foreign policy discussions and promote Baden-Württemberg as an automotive hub. However, the trip appears to have yielded limited success, with reports suggesting a largely empty schedule between Monday and Thursday. His absence too coincided with the surfacing of allegations of nepotism, involving his father’s employment with a fellow AfD parliamentarian and employment contracts held by his wife with multiple AfD representatives.
The AfD is currently polling at 18 percent in Baden-Württemberg, a significant increase from its 2021 performance but still trailing behind the CDU and the Green Party. Although this represents a potential doubling of their support, it falls short of the 24 percent the party had hoped for, according to the nationwide RTL/ntv-Trendbarometer.
Frohnmaier’s U.S. Trip and Internal Party Friction
Frohnmaier’s trip included a planned meeting with Turning Point USA, an organization founded by ultra-right activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in an attack in 2025. The visit to the U.S. Also came amid criticism of the AfD’s stance on U.S. Policy in Iran, potentially complicating meetings with officials from the Trump administration and related organizations. The “Make America Great Again” movement has previously voiced support for the AfD, creating a complex dynamic in the party’s outreach efforts.
Post-Election Plans Scrapped
The AfD has cancelled its traditional post-election gathering, where Weidel and Chrupalla were scheduled to join Frohnmaier and co-leader Emil Sänze in Stuttgart to celebrate the results. The decision, confirmed by the AfD, is widely interpreted as a rebuke of Frohnmaier’s actions and a sign of the deep divisions within the party. Sources indicate that no congratulatory gestures or acknowledgements will be extended to Frohnmaier or Sänze from the federal leadership.
The timing of Frohnmaier’s trip has raised questions about his commitment to the Baden-Württemberg campaign, particularly given the close margin of the election. The AfD has been working to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the current government, but Frohnmaier’s absence has undermined those efforts and created an opening for their opponents.
The AfD’s campaign has faced challenges beyond Frohnmaier’s trip. Recent allegations of nepotism involving his family members have added to the scrutiny surrounding the party and its leadership. Frohnmaier was unavailable to address these accusations directly during the critical final days of the campaign.
As Baden-Württemberg heads to the polls, the AfD faces an uncertain future. The party’s internal struggles, coupled with the challenges of a competitive election, could determine whether it can achieve its ambitious goals. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the political landscape of the state and the AfD’s national standing.
The coming days will reveal whether the internal discord within the AfD will translate into a setback at the ballot box. Analysts will be closely watching to see if Frohnmaier’s absence and the surrounding controversies will impact voter turnout and ultimately influence the election results. The final tally will provide a clear indication of the AfD’s strength and its prospects for future growth.
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