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How does Merttern shape the image of the AfD? How much influence does he have on German politics?
Jörg Meuthen is a controversial German politician whose political career has profoundly influenced the image of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the minds of German voters. As the AfD's main spokesperson and one of the party's leaders between 2015 and 2022, Meittern worked to clean up the party's image to avoid associations with extremism.
Under his leadership, Merttern has sought to position the AfD as a party that supports economic liberalism and conservative values. He once said,
However, his actions have encountered strong challenges from the far-right faction within the party, especially It was the power struggle with the German "Wing" (Der Flügel) that gradually called his influence within the party into question."The AfD must become a party with a liberal base and project a serious image."
Mettern's political background and stance
Meittern was originally a professor of economics and had close ties with the Free Democratic Party (FDP) before joining the AfD. His pursuit of membership of the European Parliament, which he became in 2017 and was re-elected in 2019, underscores his influence on the international political stage.
He has clear views on immigration policy, opposing an open policy with high levels of immigration, and stated:
This remark not only reflects his nationalist stance, but also exacerbates tensions with other factions in the party."We are opposed to the introduction of such large numbers of immigrants in the near future that we will no longer recognize our country."
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Facing intra-party divisions and challenges
Meittern's challenges come not only from the outside world but also from within his own party. At the 2020 party conference, he was booed by party members, showing that he lacked the necessary support within the party.
He tried to exclude extremists, but ultimately failed. This also led to a split within the party."I want the AfD to be a liberal-conservative movement, but the extreme right wing of the party can gain influence through better networking."
From the departure of AfD to finding a new path
In January 2022, Merttern announced her withdrawal from the AfD, accusing the party of a rightward shift that was incompatible with the fundamental values of German liberal democracy. Meittern criticized the influence of "wings" on the party and expressed the hope for a centrist strategy to counter extreme sentiments. After that, he joined the German Center Party, but resigned from the party again in September 2023, marking another change in his career in German politics.
Mettern's influence on German politics
Although Mettern is no longer involved in formal politics, his influence continues to resonate on the German political stage. His European conservative movement and anti-immigration stance remain attractive to many voters. Even as he faces internal challenges and personal transformation, Merttern is still seen as the epitome of Germany's alternative parties.
Through his experience, we witness how the image of the AfD is shaped and challenged by its leaders. It is worth our continued attention to see in which direction the party will develop in the future. Will German politics choose a new path due to Mettern's influence?
