Sun Feb 23 09:40:00 UTC 2025: ## German Far-Right Leader’s Rise Puzzles Observers

**BERLIN** – Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD), a nationalist and anti-immigrant party, has led her party to a strong second-place showing in recent elections, defying expectations. This success is particularly striking given Weidel’s personal life: she lives in Switzerland with her Sri Lankan-born wife and two sons. This contrasts sharply with the AfD’s platform, which opposes immigration and defines family traditionally.

Weidel, a former investment analyst, has cultivated a more moderate public image, often seen in polished attire. However, critics argue that under her leadership, the AfD has become increasingly radical. Ann-Katrin Müller of Der Spiegel noted a steady increase in the party’s extremism.

Her rise has drawn international attention, including a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance following his controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference comparing modern European democracy to Soviet-era totalitarianism. While Vance didn’t name the AfD, his meeting with Weidel highlights the party’s growing influence. Further fueling her ascent is an endorsement from Elon Musk, suggesting a surprising level of support from unexpected corners. Despite the party’s past links to neo-Nazis and alleged plots to overthrow the state, Weidel’s image has helped the AfD gain mainstream traction. The juxtaposition of Weidel’s personal life with her party’s platform continues to raise eyebrows and fuel debate about the AfD’s true nature and trajectory.

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