The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is signaling a renewed push for expansion under its newly elected General Secretary, Oliver Ruhnert. Ruhnert, a former sports administrator, secured a resounding 92.6% mandate at the party’s federal congress in Magdeburg, replacing Christian Leye, who transitions to the role of deputy party leader.
Ruhnert’s stated ambition is to accelerate the party’s growth trajectory, emphasizing a strategy of outreach and engagement aimed at attracting a broader base of support. While the AfD has already reportedly gained over 11,000 members, Ruhnert’s leadership explicitly aims to solidify that growth and address a perceived weakness in member onboarding. The party acknowledged criticism surrounding inconsistent communication with supporters, committing to establishing standardized processes for integrating new members, resolving a recurring issue where potential recruits experience extended periods without contact from the party.
This shift in strategy, combined with Ruhnert’s prominent background outside of traditional political circles, raises questions about the AfD’s evolving electoral playbook. Analysts suggest the move represents an effort to project a more approachable image, potentially mirroring successful populist strategies elsewhere. However, critics remain concerned that this expansionist agenda will be leveraged to normalize and amplify the party’s increasingly nationalist and anti-immigrant rhetoric. The streamlined onboarding process, while intended to improve member retention, could also facilitate the incorporation of individuals holding extremist views, further complicating the party’s ongoing scrutiny by domestic intelligence agencies. The degree to which Ruhnert’s approach prioritizes genuine engagement versus simply increasing membership numbers remains to be seen and its long-term impact on Germany’s political landscape is a subject of intense observation.