AfD Leadership Clash: Weidel and Chrupalla Split Over Russia Policy as Party Faces Internal Turmoil

November 14, 2025
AfD Leadership Clash: Weidel and Chrupalla Split Over Russia Policy as Party Faces Internal Turmoil
  • Context for the debate includes prior Rohftuß visits to Sochi and meetings with Dmitri Medvedev that have drawn scrutiny from opponents.

  • The AfD remains above 20% in polls as it navigates Moscow ties while trying to expand in western Germany and courting MAGA-aligned supporters in the U.S.

  • The report notes the video duration of three minutes with a stand time listed at 06:57 AM.

  • Chrupalla argues Germany should avoid warmongering and pursue peace, suggesting Russia poses no current threat, while warning about potential dangers from NATO ally Poland.

  • The dispute centers on the AfD’s Russia policy and how it should shape the party’s direction.

  • The report is sourced from Welt, Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH, with standard copyright attribution.

  • Weidel questions the purpose of the Russia trips in Bundestag discussions, signaling internal strife and varying stances within the party.

  • Analysts describe the split as revealing deeper strategic rifts over Russia versus Western-aligned approaches, with concerns about diplomatic benefits.

  • Critics accuse the AfD of servility to Russia, fueling perceptions that the party compromises German interests.

  • Several AfD figures considered attending BRICS-related events in Sochi, with some planning to meet Medvedev and others backing out or remaining committed.

  • Weidel's criticisms include calling planned Russia visits inappropriate and advocating de-escalation, aligning with a more cautious position toward Moscow.

  • Chrupalla defends the trips by saying travel plans were registered and approved, highlighting the leadership dispute at the top.

  • AfD lawmakers are accused of using parliamentary questions to obtain sensitive infrastructure and security information, an accusation the party denies without providing explanations.

  • Some party members worry Weidel’s stance could alienate MAGA-aligned supporters in the U.S. and harm the AfD’s public image.

  • Experts warn that a strongly pro-Kremlin posture could hinder domestic support and damage ties with European nationalist allies, complicating Western connections.

  • Despite the rift, Weidel and Chrupalla issued a joint statement asserting they will continue to govern together.

  • The far-right AfD is embroiled in a leadership crisis over Russia policy, pitting co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla against each other as plans for Russia-related trips threaten party unity.

  • Chrupalla publicly defends a Moscow-friendly line, arguing there is no current threat from Russia and calling for peacemaking, while Weidel criticizes the trips and seeks to de-escalate ties with Moscow.

  • The controversy deepens as Weidel bans meetings with Dmitry Medvedev and questions the purpose of Russia visits, signaling a more cautious stance toward Moscow.

  • Analysts highlight a broader geopolitical contest shaping AfD messaging, between pro-Kremlin alignment and Western-influenced currents.

  • Weidel’s remarks signal potential consequences for colleagues who participate in Russia trips, reflecting internal pressure within the party.

  • Polls show divided base sentiment, with roughly 44% fearing a Russian attack on Germany and 52% not fearing one, underscoring internal splits over Russia policy.

Summary based on 6 sources


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Sources


Germany’s AfD leadership torn over ties with Russia

Germany’s far-right party torn over Russia ties

Al Arabiya English • Nov 14, 2025

Germany’s far-right party torn over Russia ties

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