The federal leadership of the Alternative for Germany has demanded that the party's North Rhine-Westphalia chapter abandon its candidate list selection and start the process over, citing significant evidence that electoral principles were violated during a weekend party conference in Marl. National co-chairs Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel said multiple accounts indicated eligible delegates had been threatened or placed under considerable pressure. The federal board called for delegates to push for the conference's termination when it resumes Friday.
The dispute erupted on July 12 when opponents of state chairman Martin Vincentz nominated more than 90 candidates for a single list position to block proceedings, an effort reportedly coordinated by deputy federal leader Sven Tritschler through a chat group. A mediation attempt between the rival factions collapsed within minutes on July 15. Vincentz responded by accusing Weidel and other federal board members of sabotage, referencing what he called far-left tactics within the party.