NEU-ISENBURG, Germany, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Supporters chanted "Alice for Germany" outside Germany's financial center Frankfurt as the far-right leader addressed a rally, moving away from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's usual stronghold in eastern Germany.
The chant has stirred controversy, evoking memories of the banned Nazi-era slogan "Alles fuer Deutschland" (Everything for Germany), associated with Adolf Hitler's paramilitaries. The AfD leader has been fined for using similar words. However, Weidel's spokesman denies any resemblance.
Ahead of Sunday's federal parliamentary election, AfD's polling stands at around 21%, maintaining its pariah status among other mainstream political parties in a country where far-right politics is viewed negatively due to the Nazi past.
Despite being under surveillance by the German domestic intelligence service and isolated by a political consensus known as the "firewall," which prohibits cooperation with the AfD post-election, the party is emboldened and predicted to double its 2021 support, becoming Germany's second most popular party.
The AfD has influenced the election discourse, pushing leading candidate Friedrich Merz further to the right and forcing mainstream politicians to acknowledge the demand for change from a disillusioned electorate. Analysts suggest the AfD could emerge as the largest opposition party, positioning itself for future power and influence.
Weidel's spokesman, Daniel Tapp, argues that the phrase "Alice for Germany" is harmless and fitting for a party with a candidate named Alice who aims to serve the country.
The AfD has gained new support in western states from voters frustrated by various issues, such as migration policies and political stagnation. The party's platform includes dissolving the European Union, ceasing arms supply to Ukraine, and ending Germany's policy of repentance for World War Two atrocities.
A recent tragic incident in Munich involving an Afghan national may give the AfD a last-minute boost, further fueling the sentiment for change in the country.
In a rally near Frankfurt, migration concerns took center stage as supporters expressed their disillusionment with the status quo and a desire for a different future. The upcoming election results could significantly impact the political landscape and potentially the AfD's trajectory in German politics.