Tragic Losses: Germany's AfD Faces Candidate Deaths Before Local Elections

Mon Oct 20 2025 10:17:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The far-right party AfD in Germany has confronted the deaths of six candidates weeks ahead of crucial local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, raising social media concerns despite police assurances of no foul play.

In an unsettling lead-up to the local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party mourns the loss of six candidates. Although authorities have found no evidence of foul play, the unexpected fatalities have led to speculations on social media. With elections slated for September 14, the AfD aims to capitalize on its growing popularity, while navigating the implications of these tragedies.

As many as six candidates for Germany's far-right AfD have died in recent weeks ahead of local elections in the big western state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Police have made clear there is no evidence of foul play in the deaths, but it means that new ballots will have to be printed and some postal voters will have to recast their ballots.

North Rhine-Westphalia has a population of 18 million and a reported 20,000 candidates will run for office in its 14 September local elections.

The number of deaths has nevertheless raised questions on social media. The state's interior ministry has pointed out that candidates from other parties, including the Greens and Social Democrats, have also died.

The AfD became Germany's second biggest party in February's federal elections, spreading from its eastern heartland to areas of the west too.

The domestic spy agency classified it as a right-wing extremist organisation in May, but later paused that description due to a pending court appeal. In three eastern states, its AfD associations are still listed as extremist.

Initial reports indicated that four of its candidates had died, increasing to six with two reserve candidates also passing away, prompting a flurry of speculation on social media. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel did not quell the speculation, sharing concerns about the statistical likelihood of these deaths.

However, Kay Gottschalk, AfD's number two in North Rhine-Westphalia, acknowledged that current information does not support these suspicions and emphasized the importance of respectful investigations for the families involved.

Police stated that the initial four deaths were due to natural causes or privacy concerns restricted information disclosure. These tragedies unfold as the AfD seeks favorable outcomes in the upcoming local elections, marking a critical test for the party's influence.

In recent state elections, the AfD had only managed 5.4% of the vote, compared to 16.8% in the last federal elections in February. Signs indicate they may closely approach those numbers this time.

The party has garnered support from prominent figures in the U.S., including endorsement from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has declared, Either Germany votes AfD, or it is the end of Germany. This election cycle comes amid a growing political climate that scrutinizes the government's handling of unauthorized immigration policies.