Tragic Loss: AfD Candidates Pass Away Before Crucial Elections

Tue Oct 21 2025 16:00:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A series of unexpected deaths among candidates for Germany's far-right AfD party raises eyebrows ahead of local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, highlighting issues of conspiracy and voter confidence.

In the lead-up to local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, six candidates from the far-right afd party have died, prompting both concern and speculation about foul play. Amidst no evidence of wrongdoing, and assurances from police about natural causes, the party's co-leader has fueled conspiracy theories on social media. As AfD looks to gain ground in the region, the party's troubled past with extremism adds to the complexity of the situation.

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 clarified that there is no evidence of foul play in the deaths, but this situation means new ballots will need to be printed, and some postal voters will have to recast their votes.

North Rhine-Westphalia has a population of 18 million, with around 20,000 candidates running for positions in local elections scheduled for September 14.

While initial reports indicated that four candidates had passed, two more deaths of reserve candidates soon surfaced, leading to a wave of conspiracy theories across social media platforms.

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel further fanned the flames of speculation by sharing a claim suggesting the deaths were 'statistically almost impossible.' However, Kay Gottschalk, a leading figure in the AfD's North Rhine-Westphalia branch, urged caution and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.

The AfD is facing critical local elections, aiming to capitalize on its recent emergence as Germany's second-largest party following February's federal elections. The party, however, has been classified as a right-wing extremist organization, raising additional concerns as it vies for support.

Leading up to these elections, the stakes are high. Past electoral results saw the AfD garner only 5.4% of votes in May 2022, but recent federal elections saw that figure climb to 16.8%, with predictions suggesting they may achieve similar support this time.

In the evolving political landscape, high-profile figures, including Elon Musk, have openly supported the AfD, echoing opinions that the party faces systemic obstacles from the establishment. The remark, 'Either Germany votes AfD, or it is the end of Germany,' underscores the party’s polarizing position within German politics.