- Previous head of the party and political faction, Frisch, distances himself from AfD.
Ex-leader of AfD's Rhineland-Palatinate state and parliamentary group, Michael Frisch, departs from the party but maintains his seat in the state parliament. Frisch justified his decision in Mainz, asserting, "All attempts to instigate changes within the state party have proven futile. Conversely, the issues I criticized have escalated and strengthened. The AfD in Rhineland-Palatinate has transformed into an elitist party where a few people dictate the agenda."
Criticism and open dialogue are no longer tolerated within the party, as expressed by the 66-year-old. "Self-serving ambition and loyalty take precedence over personal morality and ability, political strategy and material gains are prioritized. Furthermore, there are ideological shifts within the party that I can no longer condone. Persistent drifts towards extremism that are not firmly confronted."
The AfD state association endorses Frisch's departure and calls for the revocation of his mandate. "Given the completion of Frisch's exit from the AfD faction and the ongoing expulsion proceedings, Frisch's departure from the party is logical and applauded," the association declared. Frisch is implored to instantly relinquish his mandates secured through the AfD on both local and state political levels.
Following a power struggle, Frisch was ousted as chairman of the AfD faction in the Mainz state parliament at the close of 2023. His successor was Jan Bollinger. Subsequently, Frisch, who accused Bollinger of breaching agreements, left the AfD state parliamentary group but preserved his seat. Bollinger had previously assumed the position of Rhineland-Palatinate AfD party chairman from Frisch.
Frisch intends to carry on with his duties in the state parliament. While he continues to support the fundamental principles of the AfD, he no longer finds a reason to remain within the party after over a decade as a member. "My responsibilities in the state parliament remain unchanged, and I will also continue my political endeavors at the local level in Trier."
Other party members might face a similar predicament as Frisch, finding it challenging to align with the evolving ideology of the AfD. Frisch's decision to stay in the state parliament but not remain in the AfD party demonstrates that there can be other ways to uphold the party's principles without being part of its internalissues.
