Germany’s far-right AfD is gearing up for a historic bid to lead a state government, sparking nationwide debate.

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is making strategic preparations for a potential government role, according to a report by ‘Table Media.’ The party anticipates leading a state government for the first time in its history, possibly as early as this autumn. While an absolute majority in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania seems unlikely, AfD sees promising chances in Saxony-Anhalt.

The report reveals that AfD strategists are planning the logistics of governance, including staffing requirements for ministries and agencies. The party estimates it will need six to ten personnel per ministry, alongside additional staff for government agencies. To meet these demands, AfD is relying on its Schwarz-Rot-Gold Academy in Berlin, a recruitment and training institution established in April 2025. This academy identifies and prepares potential candidates, including former senior officials and others interested in working under an AfD-led administration.

Training at the academy focuses on media handling, ministry management, and drafting budgets and official documents. Both internal and external experts conduct these sessions. Despite these efforts, the party faces challenges in recruiting sufficient qualified personnel. According to internal assessments, while AfD might manage to staff one state government, it would struggle to fill positions for two.

AfD’s leadership is also strategizing on how to navigate potential legal and political obstacles. For instance, they are considering responses to scenarios such as judicial challenges to their policies or exclusion from key intergovernmental conferences. One proposed narrative suggests framing such actions as threats to public safety, claiming that other parties prioritize politics over the security of citizens.

The party has sought advice from Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) to anticipate and mitigate potential reputational risks associated with governance. Internally, AfD acknowledges that mistakes are inevitable but believes that taking on government responsibility could ultimately benefit its image. However, some members argue that narrowly missing out on power might be more advantageous, as it could force mainstream parties like the CDU to confront difficult coalition decisions.

As Germany approaches critical elections in 2024 and 2029, AfD’s preparations signal its intent to reshape the political landscape. Whether the party’s ambitions materialize remains uncertain, but its strategic moves are already stirring controversy and debate across the nation.