Janice R. Andrews
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is reportedly considering joining the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group in the European Parliament following Germany’s federal elections on February 23. Sources close to the matter have confirmed that discussions are underway, though no formal talks have been scheduled yet.
Patriots for Europe, currently the third-largest group in the European Parliament, boasts 86 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from 13 EU member states. The group includes prominent far-right and nationalist parties such as France’s Rassemblement National (RN), Italy’s Lega, and Hungary’s Fidesz, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Orbán recently endorsed the AfD during a meeting with its co-leader, Alice Weidel, in Budapest, signaling a potential alliance.
A Growing Alliance of Far-Right Forces
Orbán’s praise for the AfD highlighted shared ideologies, particularly on migration policy. “It’s completely clear that the AfD is the future,” Orbán stated, emphasizing the convergence between his Fidesz party and the AfD. This sentiment was echoed during a Patriots for Europe gathering in Madrid, where leaders outlined their vision to unite like-minded parties across Europe, win national elections, and increase their influence in EU governments.
Spanish Patriots MEP Hermann Tertsch described the movement as “a clear and unstoppable path to unity among conservative, patriotic, and sovereignist forces.” He noted that reservations about the AfD’s entry into the group have diminished due to internal reforms within the German party.
AfD’s Rocky Past and Potential Future
The AfD’s potential inclusion in Patriots for Europe marks a significant shift for the party, which was previously part of the Identity and Democracy (ID) group. However, the AfD was expelled from ID just before the June European elections following a series of controversies involving its lead candidate, Maximilian Krah. Allegations of espionage, corruption, and controversial remarks about the Nazi paramilitary group Waffen-SS led to his resignation and the party’s expulsion.
France’s Rassemblement National, a key member of Patriots for Europe, has been particularly critical of the AfD. An RN source told Euronews, “I think there’s still a blockage with the AfD,” citing concerns over the party’s past statements and policies. However, the AfD’s recent efforts to distance itself from Krah and revise its controversial “remigration” plans may pave the way for future cooperation.
Challenges and Opportunities
While joining Patriots for Europe could bolster the AfD’s influence in European politics, it also presents challenges. As the dominant force in the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group, the AfD currently enjoys significant funding and speaking time in the European Parliament. Joining a larger group like Patriots for Europe could dilute its influence, as it would become one of many delegations.
A source close to the matter explained, “Remaining the largest delegation within the small ESN group would give AfD members more opportunities to speak and secure more funding than becoming just one of many delegations in a larger group like Patriots for Europe.”
The Road Ahead
The AfD’s decision will likely hinge on its performance in Germany’s federal elections and its ability to address internal controversies. As one RN MEP noted, “It is up to the AfD to prove in the future that it has learned the lessons from what we previously found unacceptable.”
With Patriots for Europe aiming to become “the new normal in Brussels,” the inclusion of the AfD could significantly alter the political landscape of the European Parliament. However, the final decision will depend on unanimous approval from current PfE members, with France’s Rassemblement National holding considerable sway.
As the far-right continues to gain traction across Europe, the potential alliance between the AfD and Patriots for Europe underscores the shifting dynamics of EU politics. Whether this collaboration materializes will be a key development to watch in the coming months.
Conclusion
The possibility of the AfD joining Patriots for Europe highlights the growing influence of far-right and nationalist parties in the EU. While the move could strengthen the AfD’s position, it also raises questions about the party’s ability to reconcile its controversial past with the demands of its potential allies. As Germany’s federal elections approach, the political future of the AfD—and its role in European politics—remains uncertain but undeniably significant.
