Alice Weidel, co-chair Alternatives to Germany (AfD), was officially nominated as organization candidate for Chancellor in the national election on 23 February 2025. This is her 3rd candidacy, but for the first time, AfD is betting on her as the only run leader. The emergence in popularity of Weidel shows the expanding strength of AfD, which for the first time in past can number on over 20% of support.
Three fast facts about Alice Weidel and AfD:
- First AfD candidate for Chancellor: Weidel is the first in the past of the organization to apply for this office alone.
- Financial sector related: Before politics she worked at Goldman Sachs and Allianz, which builds her image of an economical expert.
- She lives in Switzerland: Although he is simply a candidate in Germany, he spends most of his time in Einsiedeln with his partner.
The Way to Politics: From Banking to the Right
Alice Weidel was born on February 6, 1978 in Gütersloh, in a household of engineer and housewife. Her education focused on economics and finances – she graduated from Bayreuth and then earned a Ph.D., studying the pension strategy in China. She began her professional career in global financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and Allianz.
In 2013, after years in the banking sector, Weidel joined the AfD, which started her dynamic political career. In a short time she was on the organization board and in 2017 became her first leading candidate in the national election. Since then, it has constantly strengthened its position, building the image of a competent, charismatic and decisive right-wing leader.
Privacy vs. AfD ideology
Although AfD presents himself as a conservative party, Weidel does not personally fit into its conventional values. She lives with her partner, Swiss movie maker Sarah Bossard, and together they rise 2 adopted children. Interestingly, they live in Switzerland on a regular basis, frequently causing controversy in Germany.
Despite her individual lifestyle, AfD constantly opposes single-sex matrimony and sex politics. However, Weidel herself avoids talking about her individual life, claiming that her views are not derived from individual experiences but from political beliefs.
Read more: The German parliament wants to outlaw AfD.
Controversy around her statements and electoral strategy
Weidel, despite his balanced image, frequently uses harsh rhetoric, especially on immigration. In his speeches, he uses terms that make a broad debate, specified as “remigration” or “Alimentierte Messermänner”. Her statements provoke controversy, but at the same time strengthen her position among voters who see her as a individual fighting political correctness.
The 2025 election could be groundbreaking for AfD. According to the polls, the organization will scope a historical score of over 20% of the vote, becoming the second political force in the country. Although the another parties declare not to cooperate with AfD, Weidel looks to the future with optimism, hoping to further weaken the political establishment in Germany.
How much does Alice Weidel make?
As a associate of the Bundestag, Weidel receives EUR 11 227 gross per month, plus EUR 5349 to cover agency and business travel costs. The additional revenues of politicians are not full public, but according to the Frenchfurter Allgemeine Zeitung analysis, AfD MPs gain an additional EUR 135 000 annually from another sources.
Despite advanced support, Weidel's chances of becoming Chancellor stay low due to the fact that all major parties refuse the AfD coalition. However, if current trends persist, in 2029 the situation may look completely different. Will Weidel lead AfD to a historical breakthrough?
Political career Alice Weidel – chronological review
Period | Position
2013 – Joining AfD
2015 – Membership of the AfD National Board
2016 – Candidate in Bodensee territory in elections to the Baden-Württemberg national parliament
2017 – Candidate for president of the AfD in Baden-Württemberg (no success)
2017 – AfD's nomination for lead candidate in the Bundestag election (in a duet with Alexander Gauland) and direct candidate in Bodensee District
2017-2021 – associate of the Bundestag, president of the AfD faction
2020 – Election as president of the AfD in Baden-Württemberg and national organization spokesperson
2021 – Re-nomination of AfD's lead candidate in the Bundestag election (a duet with Tino Chrupalla) and direct candidate in Bodensee district
2021-current – associate of the Bundestag, co-chair of the AfD faction (together with Tino Chrupalla)
2025 – AfD's nomination for lead candidate in the Bundestag election
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