The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party views its record-breaking result as a sign for upcoming state elections. Krah won't be part of the EU delegation.
On Sunday, Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, declared it a "great day for democracy" with their 15.9% result in the election. Co-party leader Tino Chrupalla also shared enthusiasm by calling the outcome "phenomenal," suggesting it demonstrated the party's broad audience. Weidel proposed early federal elections as advised earlier by CSU leader Markus Soeder.
Despite not translating their initial 20% polling figures into actual votes, AfD leaders see it as a strong signal towards the September state elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg. The high European election results for the AfD in East Germany would create "motivation" and "a tailwind," said Chrupalla. Weidel expressed interest in a coalition with BSW, mentioning that the boundary shouldn't be determined by them.
Admitting errors, Chrupalla acknowledged that mistakes had been made during their election campaign. Despite the furor surrounding Krah's SS remarks and his clash with the ID faction, he would continue to be part of the 13-member group. Weidel and Chrupalla faced accusations of not distancing themselves enough from Spitzenkandidat Krah due to fear of alienating conservative factions within the party as polling figures declined.
Aust, a confidant of the Thuringian state chairman and fellow Spitzenkandidat Björn Höcke, secured a leadership role in the AfD. As the state representative elected in Erfurt, Aust is set to leave his position in September. Krah's remarks on the SS issue prompted his dismissal from the delegation on Monday. He labeled the move "tactically wrong." A spokesperson reported he would "naturally" remain in the group of 14. In contrast, Aust admitted controversial second candidate Petr Bystron, whose criminal proceedings are still under investigation, into the group. Aust insisted, "The presumption of innocence applies."
Aust intends to engage in talks with the ID faction, comprising the French Rassemblement National (RN), to potentially restart their alliance. Weidel and Chrupalla feel comfortable and confident going into the negotiations. Aust asserted that any collaboration within a faction must be accomplished through face-to-face interaction. By the beginning of July, his delegation must find a faction or forge one. Krah's dismissal was enacted "so that the talks are not overshadowed," elaborated Aust. Now, Krah has the chance to resolve all lingering issues privately and away from public scrutiny. Krah, in turn, wished Aust "good luck" in the negotiations.
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