Alice Weidel, the co-leader and public face of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has become a significant figure in German politics. Described as a right-wing populist and an admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Weidel's political trajectory is marked by her party's recent successes in local elections.
The AfD secured notable victories in several local elections in September 2026, including in Saxony Anhalt. These wins have created challenges for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Opinion polls currently show the AfD leading, prompting speculation about the possibility of Weidel becoming the first far-right leader in Germany since World War II.
Despite the populist and nationalist stance of her party, aspects of Weidel's personal life are seen by some as being at odds with the AfD's platform. However, these perceived discrepancies do not appear to be deterring her supporters.
Production for this report was led by Ben Carter and Bethan Ashmead, with sound mixing by James Beard and editing by Justine Lang. Maria Ogundele served as the production co-ordinator. The episode is available for over a year on BBC Sounds, with a running time of 14 minutes.