Farewell to Frisch: Former AfD Leader Steps Away
The previous head of Rhineland-Palatinate's AfD, Michael Frisch, aged 66, has bid adieu to the party after hitting a stumbling block in attempts to effect changes within the rank and file. Frisch, the former state and faction leader, cited the party's transformation into an elite-led entity, veering away from open dialogue, and shifts to the far-right as reasons for his departure from the AfD.
In a candid address at Mainz, Frisch explained his decision by highlighting persistent issues and intensifying troubles within the party. Frisch perceived the AfD in Rhineland-Palatinate as a party run by a select few, prioritizing self-promotion and loyalty over integrity and competence. He also pointed to material gain and self-serving perspectives that appeared to hold sway within the party.
After a power struggle, Frisch was ousted as faction leader towards the end of 2023, with Jan Bollinger taking his place. Frisch subsequently resigned from the AfD's state parliamentary faction, alleging breach of promises by Bollinger. However, Frisch retained his seat as a legislator in the state parliament.
Despite his strong alignment with the AfD’s core principles, Frisch identified no compelling reason to remain a party member after over a decade of affiliation. He subsequently announced his separation from Alternative fur Deutschland.
Regrettably, Frisch's commitment to the party's core values compelled him to stay away from the party's annual holiday gathering due to a lack of democratic dialogue and promotion of self-interest within the party ranks.
Relevant Insights:
- The article mentions the transformation of AfD into an elite-led party and Frisch's belief that individuals promoting self-interest and loyalty hold sway within the party. The AfD's shift towards the far-right is also highlighted.
- Frisch, as the former state and faction leader, was ousted from his position by Jan Bollinger following a power struggle. Despite disagreeing with the party's leadership, he managed to retain his seat as a legislator in the state parliament.
- Frisch announced his separation from the AfD upon realizing no convincing reasons to continue his party membership, after over a decade of affiliation.
