Alternative for Germany announced on Saturday that former national football player Thomas Berthold is their official candidate for the upcoming presidential election in Germany.
The nomination of the 62-year-old former athlete introduces an unconventional figure into a race where the incumbent president’s term concludes in March 2027.
“W osobie Thomasa Bertholda znaleźliśmy kandydata wywodzącego się z centrum społeczeństwa, który rzeczywiście może reprezentować wszystkich Niemców” – party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla told Interia Wydarzenia, stating that selecting a non-partisan candidate aims to enable a genuine fresh start at the apex of state power.
“Moim celem jest bycie prezydentem dla wszystkich obywateli, niezależnie od tego, gdzie żyją i na kogo głosują” – Thomas Berthold stated through social media, as reported by Interia Wydarzenia, adding that he advocates for a direct popular vote for the head of state. Zero.pl said that Berthold has no party affiliation and drew public attention in recent years through his criticism of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
During a 2020 demonstration in Stuttgart, Berthold said that his trust in the country’s political leadership had dropped below zero, according to Polsat News. RMF24 added that Chrupalla highlighted Berthold’s stance against pandemic policies alongside his 1990 World Cup victory.
CDU/CSU and SPD Politicians Criticize Berthold's Nomination
Stephan Mayer, sports policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, questioned Berthold’s qualifications for the highest state office while acknowledging his successful athletic career, as detailed by RMF24.
Mayer also pointed to Berthold’s highly questionable statements concerning the pandemic, linking him to the Querdenker movement opposing government restrictions, according to Onet. Ralf Stegner of the SPD criticized the nomination sharply in an interview with Rheinische Post, as reported by Onet.
“Na tak głupi pomysł jak zgoda na nominację na kandydata na prezydenta przez partię skrajnie prawicową można wpaść chyba tylko wtedy, gdy wykonało się zbyt wiele ćwiczeń główkowania piłką lekarską”
Despite the nomination, Ilse Aigner remains the primary favorite to succeed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, according to Zero.pl. RMF24 reported that the 61-year-old CSU politician and Bavarian landtag president secures backing from the CDU, CSU, SPD, and Green parties.
Berthold's Candidacy Remains Largely Symbolic Due to AfD Minority
The German federal president is elected by the Federal Convention, which consists of members of the Bundestag and an equal number of delegates from the federal states, as explained by Zero.pl. Because Alternative for Germany lacks a majority within this assembly, German media outlets view Berthold’s candidacy as largely symbolic.
| Candidate | Age | Background | Political Affiliation | Key Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Berthold | 62 | Former Footballer / 1990 World Cup Winner | Independent (Non-partisan) | Alternative for Germany (AfD) |
| Ilse Aigner | 61 | Bavarian Landtag President | Christian Social Union (CSU) | CDU, CSU, SPD, Greens |
Onet said that Aigner’s election is scheduled for January 30, positioning her to become the first female federal president in German history.
