Brussels, 23 May 2024
The far-right parliamentary group Identity and Democracy (ID Group) has expelled their German partner Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), after numerous scandals around the AfD lead-candidate at the upcoming EU elections, Maximilian Krah.
The group, until now, united eight right-wing parties from eight member states:
- Lega (Italy),
- Rassemblement National (National Rally – France),
- FPÖ Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs (Freedom Party of Austria, ),
- Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest, Flanders),
- Eesti Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond (Conservative People’s Party of Estonia),
- Dansk Folkeparti (Danish People’s Party – Denmark),
- Svoboda a Prima Demokracie (Freedom and Direct Democracy – Czech Republic), and the
- Alternative für Deutschland (Alternative for Germany).
To get the formal status of a political group it must consist of at least 25 MEPs, elected in at least one-quarter of the member states, that is at least 7 member states.
Although the decision of the ID group was reported by several media, there was no official statement about it, and the AfD was still visible on the ID website, on Thursday evening.
After the ID decision, the AfD federal spokespersons, Alice Weidel und Tino Chrupalla, released a brief statement:
“We have taken note of the ID group’s decision. Nevertheless, we are optimistic about election evening and the days that follow. The AfD will of course strive to ensure a powerful group in the European Parliament with an increased delegation. In order to have a political impact in Brussels, cooperation with related parties is essential. We are therefore confident that we will have reliable partners at our side in the new legislative period.”
Sources: media reports, the EU Parliament and the AfD