Record number beckons

Enormous increase: AfD membership is rising rapidly

The AfD (Alternative for Germany) is a right-wing populist to far-right political party in Germany that was founded in 2013.

(Bild: AFP)

According to the party, the number of AfD members will exceed the 50,000 mark in the coming days. Around 2,000 more interested parties have submitted membership applications, which are still being processed.

Party leader Tino Chrupalla confirmed a report in "Junge Freiheit" when asked. AfD treasurer Carsten Hütter was quoted as saying: "We will accept the 50,000th party member on Sunday." 

Just over a year ago - in September 2023 - the party had reported a membership of 34,000, compared to around 29,000 the year before. 

For comparison:

• The CDU had around 363,000 members as of October 1, while the SPD had 365,000 at the turn of the year.
• The Greens reported around 130,000 members in the spring, the FDP around 72,000 at the turn of the year and the Left Party around 50,000.

• According to party founder Sahra Wagenknecht, fewer than 5,000 people are involved in the still young BSW.