Fact-Checking Alice Weidel: German Media Examines Claims by AfD Chief

German media outlets examine and fact-check various controversial statements made by AfD co-leader Alice Weidel during a recent interview regarding the euro, migration, climate change, and automotive trends.

The Euro and Economic Stability

One of the issues addressed by Weidel in the interview is the alleged instability of the euro currency. According to the AfD leader, Germany fared much better in the past before joining the eurozone, and an exit from the eurozone remains part of the AfD program.

ZDF cites a report by the German Ministry of Finance published on the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the euro, stating that the currency has also proven itself in terms of stability. The average inflation in Germany during this period was 1.9 percent annually, with the exception of the coronavirus pandemic when prices surged due to disrupted supply chains and other factors.

Leaving the eurozone would likely cause a measurable decline in prosperity for Germany’s export-oriented economy, as the strengthening of the Deutsche Mark would significantly raise prices for foreign buyers, reducing Germany’s competitiveness and potentially leading to companies relocating abroad, according to ZDF.

The broadcaster recalls that in 2019, the Centre for European Policy Network think tank calculated that Germany benefited the most from the common currency between 1999 and 2017. Each resident gained an additional 23,116 euros in gross domestic product, leading ZDF to conclude that Germany leaving the eurozone would likely be associated with unfavorable economic consequences.

Schengen Exit and Border Closures

The AfD party is known for particularly harsh announcements regarding migration policy. In the interview, Weidel spoke in favor of closing borders and leaving the Schengen area to ensure that people like those in Ceuta would not arrive here at all.

ZDF points out that the AfD leader omitted the fact that although Ceuta belongs to Spain, its location in Africa means it is not covered by the Schengen area. With few exceptions concerning unaccompanied minors, no one has managed to reach the continental part of Spain, ZDF comments, referencing the recent influx of immigrants to Ceuta.

Unemployed Immigrants

In the interview, Weidel also claimed that 306,000 unemployed immigrants acquired German citizenship last year. ZDF reports that this figure likely stems from responses provided by the Federal Employment Agency to inquiries from an AfD Bundestag member, though it applies to all individuals registered as unemployed in December 2025 who previously acquired citizenship.

The naturalization could have therefore occurred many years or even decades earlier, ZDF states. The broadcaster recalls that one of the conditions for obtaining citizenship is the ability to independently support oneself and dependent family members, and a lack of employment and other sources of income would likely hinder or prevent naturalization in most cases.

Climate Change and Human Responsibility

The AfD leader emphasized that climate change has always existed and that measures serving alleged climate protection are unnecessary according to her party. ZDF responds that while it is true the Earth has experienced periods of warming and cooling in the past, scientists have determined these were driven by geological processes such as volcanic eruptions, whereas current climate change is primarily the result of human activity.

Research by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has shown that humanity bears unequivocal responsibility for current global warming, the station argues.

Internal Combustion Engines and Electric Vehicles

Weidel further stated that the majority of drivers prefer driving internal combustion engine cars over electric vehicles. Meanwhile, according to data from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the number of purely battery-electric passenger cars registered in Germany exceeded the two-million threshold for the first time at the beginning of 2026.

KBA data shows that in July 2026, electric vehicles accounted to 29.3 percent of newly registered passenger cars, marking a 61.7 percent increase compared to the previous year. Hybrid vehicles accounted for 39.3 percent, while the share of purely gasoline cars significantly dropped to 18.9 percent, similarly to diesel cars which declined to 11.8 percent.

The station adds that Weidel is correct in claiming that the majority of car buyers in Germany still choose combustion-engine vehicles, but current trends clearly indicate a growing popularity of electric vehicles.

The article originates from Deutsche Welle.