Southwest wing of AfD proposes Frohnmaier as their candidate choice
South West AfD to Elect Markus Frohnmaier as Top Candidate for 2026 State Election
Markus Frohnmaier, a longtime ally of AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, is set to be elected as the party's top candidate for the 2026 state election in the South West region of Germany, a decision that will be made by around 400 delegates during an assembly on Saturday in Heilbronn. This will mark the first time in the South West AfD's history that only delegates are invited to vote, as opposed to all members. Previous party conferences allowed every member to attend and vote, often leading to organizational difficulties and on-site chaos.
Frohnmaier, aged 34, has been a member of the Bundestag since 2017. He is currently not on the state list that will be compiled this weekend for the March 8th state election, but he has positioned himself as a potential candidate for Minister-President. If he does not secure this position, Frohnmaier plans to continue his work in the Bundestag. The co-chairman of the South West state association, Emil Sänze, has explained that this approach aims to maintain a clear separation between the executive and legislative branches in case of a victory. Sänze will lead the state list.
Anticipated demonstrations against the AfD assembly have been announced. According to police, there will be a demonstration and two rallies against the gathering, with authorities expecting a few thousand participants. Additionally, a city triathlon will take place in Heilbronn during the same weekend. Local police have stated that they will receive support from other stations and the police headquarters.
While there is no specific information available on the broader context of the 2026 elections, it is known that Manuel Hagel has been elected as the CDU's top candidate for the state elections in Baden-Württemberg, a region where the CDU is vying to regain governorship. Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues to enjoy robust support in the South West region, advocating for an open immigration policy which remains a contentious issue in Germany. The CDU currently holds a significant lead in polls leading up to the elections. However, concerns about the party's handling of economic and infrastructure issues, as well as potential challenges in managing alliances and internal party dynamics, may impact their prospects.
Frohnmaier's election as the South West AfD's top candidate for the 2026 state election signifies a shift in the party's policy-and-legislation approach, aligning more closely with politics that advocate for a clear separation between the executive and legislative branches. In the general news, anticipated demonstrations against the AfD assembly, along with the CDU's focus on open immigration policies, indicate a divisive political climate in the South West region of Germany.
