Björn Höcke Eyes Greater Influence in AfD Federal Leadership Ahead of 2026 Party Convention

In the run-up to the AfD federal party convention scheduled for early July 2026 in Erfurt, Björn Höcke, leader of the Thüringen AfD, has declared his intention to strengthen his influence within the party’s national leadership. Höcke's close ally, Stefan Möller, co-leader of the Thüringen AfD, is a candidate for deputy federal spokesperson, a move Höcke supports as it would ensure alignment with the "Thüringer line" while allowing Höcke to remain focused on regional politics in Thüringen.

The AfD congress is expected to attract tens of thousands of demonstrators. The unusual choice of Erfurt for the federal convention—despite the absence of an impending state election—has been interpreted by politicians, including former Thüringen Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow, as a signal of support for Höcke. The Thüringen AfD is currently classified as a right-extremist group by the state protection agency and is under surveillance. Höcke himself, known as a far-right figure within the party and with a criminal record tied to banned slogans, aims to become Minister-President of Thüringen and insists on loyalty to party principles.

Höcke advocates for a reform of the domestic intelligence service to become politically neutral, criticizing current operations against the AfD. While the present federal leadership of Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla is expected to remain, Höcke foresees possible future shifts toward a single-leader model but does not deem it necessary yet. He also supports greater representation of younger party members, with youth leader Jean-Pascal Hohm confirmed as a candidate for the federal board.