A cloud of grief and suspicion hangs over Germany’s political landscape as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party grapples with a series of sudden deaths among its local election candidates. With a crucial vote just weeks away, the string of tragedies has cast a pall over the AfD’s campaign and raised troubling questions about whether the deaths are a bizarre coincidence or something more sinister.
In what a German economist on social media called a “statistically almost impossible” coincidence, six AfD candidates in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia have died in recent weeks. The deaths, all of which occurred unexpectedly, have fueled a firestorm of speculation, particularly on social media, where a narrative of foul play is rapidly taking hold.
The victims include Ralph Lange, 66, who died suddenly in his home in Blomberg, and Stefan Berendes, who also passed away unexpectedly in Bad Lippspringe. In both cases, the deaths automatically invalidated polling cards and forced the local election commission to reprint and resend thousands of ballots. The local elections, which are scheduled for September 14, will now proceed as by-elections in the affected constituencies.
While police have stated there is no evidence of foul play and have urged calm, the AfD has publicly raised the specter of a political motive. “Our members and representatives are the most common victims of political violence,” said the party’s national co-leader, Tino Chrupalla, in a statement. “These incidents cannot stop us.”
The deaths come at a critical time for the AfD, which has been making historic gains and is seen by many as a powerful political force in Germany. The party, which is under surveillance by Germany’s domestic intelligence service for suspected right-wing extremism, has successfully tapped into public anger over migration, inflation, and a series of knife attacks by individuals with migrant backgrounds.
The series of tragedies has also exposed the deep political divides in Germany. While mainstream politicians have offered their condolences, some have warned against exploiting the deaths for political gain. As one German official said, “There is never a justification for violence, but there is also never a justification for creating a climate of hatred and fear. We must all be careful with our words.”
For now, the country is left with more questions than answers. The deaths of the AfD candidates have brought a new level of tension to a political season already marked by deep divisions. As the police investigation continues, the political fate of the party and the future of Germany’s democracy hang in the balance.