A series of deaths among candidates of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) has raised concerns just weeks before local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Seven party members, including five main candidates and two reserve ones, have died since August 19, all before the September 14 elections. The party’s deputy head, Kay Gottschalk, described the deaths as ‘statistically conspicuous,’ though police found no evidence of foul play.
The regional election committee noted that while AfD candidates account for 43% of the reported deaths, it’s not significantly higher than other parties. The AfD, designated a far-right extremist group by the German domestic security service, has gained popularity, overtaking Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc in recent polls.
This has sparked debates about the party’s influence and credibility within Germany’s political landscape. The AfD’s rising popularity suggests a growing concern among the electorate about the country’s political direction, potentially shifting the balance of power in the upcoming elections.
The German domestic security service’s designation of the AfD as a far-right extremist group has prompted legal challenges from the party, with the justice minister considering a potential ban. This situation highlights the complex interplay between political strategy and security concerns in Germany.