Alice Weidel becomes AfD's leader in Bundestag elections

Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), will lead the party as the largest opposition force in Germany's Bundestag. The AfD won 20.8% of the vote in last month's election, doubling its share and marking its rise as the second-largest party in parliament since World War II. Weidel is known for her polarizing political stances. During her campaign, she modified an old rallying cry associated with the Nazi era to create a personal slogan "Alice für Deutschland." Her leadership has been credited with the party's recent success. The AfD now holds 152 out of 630 seats, and Weidel has promised to challenge the government fiercely in parliament. Weidel's background is unusual for a leader of a radical anti-immigration party. She lives in Switzerland with her Sri Lankan-born wife and their children. Despite her personal life, which contrasts with the party's traditional views, voters support her for her focus on their concerns. Analysts note she has helped improve the party's image, combining aggressive rhetoric with a friendly demeanor. As part of her strategy, Weidel has embraced controversial terms like "remigration," which suggests deporting foreign-born individuals. Despite this, she also indicates the need for some migration. Her approach has drawn in different voter groups, but she must also navigate the party's more extreme elements, including welcoming back members who faced past controversies. Now, Weidel's main challenge is to maintain her party's focus and continue its success. Critics speculate whether she will stick to a confrontational approach or seek broader appeal as she prepares for future elections. Meanwhile, the other major parties have formed a "firewall" to prevent the AfD from gaining power in government. However, if the current coalition struggles, the AfD could be poised to gain even more support in the future.