However, AfD leaders are now hoping to reconcile, especially with the European Parliament election in June approaching, where both parties are expected to make significant gains, according to POLITICO’s Poll of Polls.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has committed to sending a letter to Le Pen to provide “explanations” regarding the participation of AfD politicians in the extremist meeting, as confirmed by officials from both parties to POLITICO.
This week, Weidel traveled to Paris to meet with Le Pen and National Rally President Jordan Bardella to discuss “political questions,” as described by the AfD leader. It was during this meeting that Weidel agreed to provide a letter explaining “remigration” and the controversial gathering, as relayed by National Rally lawmaker Thibaut François.
The revelation of the secret meeting caused a stir in Germany, with many drawing parallels to Nazi plans. The news triggered widespread protests against the AfD and right-wing extremism throughout Germany.
Weidel, however, defended the meeting, calling it “private” and accusing the German left and journalists of using “Stasi-like secret service methods” to spy on the participants.
On Thursday, François expressed confidence that the letter would help mend relations with the AfD, stating to POLITICO that the Potsdam meeting was not “official” and occurred “outside the AfD’s jurisdiction.”
