Alice Weidel: The moderate and sophisticated face of the German far right

Alice Weidel: The moderate and sophisticated face of the German far right

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has drawn attention for her distinct stance within the German far right. With her articulate speech and her traditional pearl necklace, she presents herself as the "more moderate face" of the party. However, her ideas and positions follow the hard anti-immigration and nationalist line that characterizes the party.

Who is Alice Weidel?

A trained economist and former banker, Weidel entered politics to reshape the image of the AfD, softening its rhetoric without changing its ideological content.

Interestingly, she is a lesbian and lives with a partner of immigrant origin. This detail contrasts with the anti-immigration and anti-LGBTQ+ stance of many members of her party.

She has become one of the most influential figures on the European right, challenging the hegemony of traditional parties in Germany.

Contradictions and criticisms

Weidel's presence in the leadership of the AfD is not without its contradictions. While she promotes anti-immigration policies, her partner is of Asian origin. While her party positions itself against "gender ideology", she herself is part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Still, Weidel manages to balance these apparent contradictions, becoming an icon of the new European conservatism, which seeks to distance itself from more radical images in order to attract voters dissatisfied with the current political system.

What can we expect from Weidel's political future?

With the growing strength of the far right in Germany and Europe, Alice Weidel continues to be a key player in the AfD's advancement. Her challenge will be to maintain her image as a "friendly face" while maintaining the party's firm discourse against immigration, the European Union and multiculturalism.

What do you think of the rise of Alice Weidel and the far right in Europe?