The leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party Alice Weidel has expressed support for a Brexit-style referendum on EU membership if the party comes to power, The Financial Times reports.
Weidel sees the UK’s exit from the EU as a model for Germany and believes it demonstrates the ability to make a sovereign decision. She stated that an AfD government would seek to reform the EU, addressing its “democratic deficit” by limiting the powers of the unelected European Commission. If reform efforts fail, Weidel proposes a referendum on “Dexit,” a German exit from the EU.
Weidel’s comments come amid a surge in support for the AfD, which is currently polling at 22%. The party has faced controversy over a reported meeting discussing a “remigration” plan to remove millions of people with an immigrant background from Germany.
Despite the challenges, Weidel predicts a future role for the AfD in government, emphasizing the party’s priorities, including effective border controls, deportation of foreign criminals, tax system reform, and a shift away from renewable energy.
