- Wendt asserted that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) doesn't necessitate a fresh public perception.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) doesn't need to alter its public image to attract more voters, suggests social policy expert André Wendt. "I don't think we need to polish our image. We require a firm standpoint. That's essential to rouse people and remind politics that things can't carry on as they are," Wendt explained to the German Press Agency. The 52-year-old served as deputy president of the state parliament in the previous term.
The AfD's Saxon branch is categorized by the constitutional protection agency as a confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor. The party leadership consistently refutes this classification and also challenges it legally. In the state elections held on Sunday, the AfD finished second with 30.6%, trailing behind the CDU (31.9%). During the European elections in June, the AfD kept the Union at a safe distance of 10 percentage points.
Wendt frequently encounters questions about Thuringian state and faction leader Björn Höcke at the AfD's informational booths. He then clarifies that Höcke "isn't a Nazi." "He's a party member and making positive contributions in Thuringia. I can't wrap my head around why he's so vilified." Wendt also can't fathom why organizations or businesses stand against the AfD: "Because we're also the middle-class party. We criticize exorbitant energy prices. We criticize how bureaucracy is crushing numerous businesses. Therefore, I can't comprehend why people are so fiercely opposing the AfD." Wendt deemed fears of foreign skilled workers regarding an AfD-led government as baseless.
At the same time, he clarified that his party isn't inclined towards unregulated mass immigration. "We advocate for regulated skilled worker immigration - if we need skilled workers. We should first utilize our own resources. If we still have a need, there should be targeted immigration."
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) received significant support in the state elections, finishing second with 30.6%, as reported by the German Press Agency. Despite facing categorization as a right-wing extremist endeavor by the constitutional protection agency, the party leadership continues to refute and challenge this classification.
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