Alexander Claus: The Rise Of A New AfD Politician?

Laverna Zemlak 10 May 2025

Is Germany on the cusp of a political earthquake? The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is rapidly reshaping the political landscape, and Alexander Claus is a key player in this transformation.

Alexander Claus is a prominent figure within the AfD Thüringen, positioning himself as a significant contender in German politics. His candidacy for the Bundestag in electoral district 192 signals the AfD's strategic focus on expanding its influence at the national level. Claus's involvement extends beyond a mere candidacy; he holds leadership positions within several AfD organizations, including the AfD Thüringen, the Junge Alternative (JA) Thüringen (the party's youth wing), and the AfD Erfurt. Furthermore, he serves as a consultant for the AfD parliamentary group in the Thuringian State Parliament, indicating his deep integration into the party's operational and policy-making structures.

Claus's path to political prominence is rooted in his academic background and early career experiences. After completing his Bachelor's degree, he gained practical experience as a constituency assistant to an AfD member of the state parliament. This role provided him with valuable insights into the workings of political campaigns, legislative processes, and constituency engagement. Subsequently, the AfD nominated Alexander Claus as their direct candidate in electoral district 192, underscoring the party's confidence in his ability to represent their platform and mobilize support.

Beyond his formal roles, Claus is also known for his affiliations with traditional German associations. He holds a board position in the Junge Alternative Thüringen, is a member of the state board of the AfD, and identifies as an "Alter Herr" (a senior member) of the Jenaische Burschenschaft Germania, a traditional German student fraternity with mandatory fencing. This association, while traditional, has been subject to scrutiny due to its historical connections and perceived nationalist leanings.

As a trained economist, Claus focuses his political agenda on economic policy. He articulates that the critical questions of the 21st century revolve around migration, demographics, and economic stability, reflecting the core tenets of the AfD's platform.

Alexander Claus's involvement extends beyond the political sphere. Since 2013, he has been active in the family business, which owns and operates Papa's Beach House in the Haarlemmermeerse Bos, a popular recreational area. He is ultimately responsible for Papa's Beach House and the Element by Westin Hotel in Amsterdam. He is also a board member of Event Park Amsterdam and volunteers several times a year for South Holland.

The AfD Thüringen recently finalized its state list for the 2024 state elections, a move that underscores the party's preparations for the upcoming political contests. This decision highlights the importance of strategic planning and candidate selection in the pursuit of electoral success.

Category	Information
Name	Alexander Claus
Political Affiliation	Alternative for Germany (AfD)
Positions	Bundestag Candidate (WK 192) Board Member, AfD Thüringen Board Member, JA Thüringen Board Member, AfD Erfurt Consultant, AfD Parliamentary Group Thüringen
Education	Bachelor's Degree in Economics
Political Focus	Economic Policy, Migration, Demographics
Other Affiliations	Member, Jenaische Burschenschaft Germania
Business Activities	Active in the family business since 2013 Ultimately responsible for Papa's Beach House and the Element by Westin Hotel in Amsterdam Board member of Event Park Amsterdam Volunteer for South Holland
Reference	AfD Official Website

Claus's political activities and affiliations haven't been without their detractors. In a recent election, he placed second behind Wolfgang Weisskopf (CDU). This outcome underscores the competitive nature of the German political landscape and the challenges faced by the AfD in gaining widespread acceptance.

In essence, Alexander Claus embodies the evolving dynamics of German politics. His rise within the AfD, coupled with his focus on economic policy and his traditional associations, makes him a figure of considerable interest. Whether he can translate his party's growing support into electoral success remains to be seen. His active participation in the family business and involvement in community activities further illustrate his multifaceted persona.

The AfD's growing prominence is undeniably reshaping German politics. The party's focus on issues like migration and demographics resonates with a segment of the electorate, while its stance on economic policy attracts others concerned about the country's financial future. The party's success in recent elections and its growing presence in regional parliaments reflect this trend.

Claus's role as a Bundestag candidate and his leadership positions within the AfD underscore the party's strategic efforts to gain influence at the national level. His focus on economic policy aligns with the party's broader agenda, which emphasizes economic stability and national sovereignty. The AfD's platform also includes calls for stricter immigration controls, greater emphasis on German culture and identity, and a more assertive foreign policy.

The AfD's stance on migration and demographics has been particularly controversial, with critics accusing the party of promoting xenophobia and intolerance. However, the party maintains that its policies are aimed at protecting Germany's cultural heritage and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its welfare system.

Claus's association with the Jenaische Burschenschaft Germania has also drawn scrutiny, given the fraternity's historical ties to nationalist movements. Critics argue that such affiliations raise questions about his commitment to democratic values and his understanding of German history.

The AfD's rise has prompted responses from other political parties, with some advocating for stricter measures to counter the party's influence. Others have called for a more nuanced approach, arguing that the AfD's success is a symptom of deeper societal anxieties and that addressing these anxieties is crucial to preventing the party from gaining further ground.

Claus's involvement in the family business, which includes Papa's Beach House and the Element by Westin Hotel in Amsterdam, provides a glimpse into his entrepreneurial background. His role in these ventures suggests a commitment to economic development and job creation. Additionally, his volunteer work in South Holland demonstrates a sense of civic responsibility and a willingness to contribute to the community.

The AfD's performance in the upcoming state elections will be a crucial test of its strength and its ability to translate its support into electoral victories. Claus's success as a Bundestag candidate will depend on his ability to connect with voters, articulate the AfD's platform effectively, and address the concerns of his constituents.

The future of German politics remains uncertain, but the AfD's growing prominence and the activities of figures like Alexander Claus are undeniable factors shaping the country's political landscape. The AfD's appeal to certain segments of the electorate, its focus on specific issues, and the controversies surrounding its platform all contribute to the ongoing debate about Germany's future direction.

The AfD's rise has also sparked discussions about the role of social media in shaping political discourse. The party's use of social media platforms to disseminate its message and mobilize support has been both praised and criticized. Some argue that social media allows the AfD to bypass traditional media outlets and communicate directly with voters, while others contend that it facilitates the spread of misinformation and hate speech.

Claus's own online presence is a reflection of this trend, with his social media accounts serving as a platform for promoting his political views and engaging with his supporters. His posts often address issues such as migration, economic policy, and national identity, reflecting the AfD's core messaging.

The AfD's success has also prompted discussions about the role of education in countering extremism and promoting democratic values. Some argue that schools should do more to educate students about the dangers of intolerance and the importance of critical thinking, while others contend that parents and community organizations also have a role to play in shaping young people's attitudes and beliefs.

Claus's own educational background, as a trained economist, suggests a commitment to academic rigor and intellectual inquiry. However, his association with the Jenaische Burschenschaft Germania has raised questions about his understanding of German history and his commitment to democratic values.

The AfD's growing presence in German politics has also had an impact on the country's international relations. Some foreign governments have expressed concerns about the party's policies and its potential to undermine international cooperation. The AfD's stance on issues such as European integration and immigration has been particularly controversial in this regard.

Claus's own views on international relations are likely aligned with the AfD's broader platform, which emphasizes national sovereignty and a more assertive foreign policy. The AfD has called for a renegotiation of Germany's relationship with the European Union and a greater emphasis on bilateral agreements with other countries.

The AfD's rise has also prompted discussions about the future of German democracy. Some fear that the party's success could lead to a weakening of democratic institutions and a decline in civil liberties. Others argue that the AfD's presence in parliament is a sign of a healthy democracy and that the party's views should be tolerated and debated.

Claus's own commitment to democratic values is a subject of debate, given his association with the Jenaische Burschenschaft Germania and the AfD's controversial policies. However, he has also expressed support for the rule of law and the importance of free and fair elections.

The AfD's long-term prospects remain uncertain, but the party's impact on German politics is undeniable. The AfD's success has forced other political parties to address issues that they had previously ignored, and it has sparked a national conversation about the future of German society. The AfD's policies, the controversies surrounding its platform, and the responses from other political parties are all factors that will shape the country's political landscape in the years to come.

Claus's own future in German politics will depend on his ability to navigate these complex dynamics. His success as a Bundestag candidate will depend on his ability to connect with voters, articulate the AfD's platform effectively, and address the concerns of his constituents. His role within the AfD will depend on his ability to work with other party leaders and to contribute to the development of the party's policies.

The events unfolding in Germany offer a compelling case study of the challenges and opportunities facing democracies in the 21st century. The rise of populist movements, the role of social media, the impact of globalization, and the importance of education are all factors that are shaping political landscapes around the world. The AfD's success and the activities of figures like Alexander Claus are just one example of these broader trends.

As Germany approaches the 2024 state elections and the next federal elections, the political climate remains charged. The AfD's continued presence and influence will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the country's future. Whether Alexander Claus and his party can solidify their position or whether they will face setbacks remains to be seen. The coming years promise to be a period of intense political debate and transformation in Germany.

The AfD has also focused on issues such as energy policy, advocating for a return to traditional energy sources and criticizing Germany's transition to renewable energy. The party argues that renewable energy is unreliable and expensive and that Germany should prioritize energy security and affordability. This stance has resonated with some voters who are concerned about the cost of electricity and the potential for energy shortages.

Claus's views on energy policy are likely aligned with the AfD's platform, which emphasizes the importance of traditional energy sources and criticizes the government's green energy policies. The AfD has called for a moratorium on the construction of new wind turbines and a greater investment in coal-fired power plants.

The AfD has also taken a strong stance on law and order, calling for tougher penalties for criminals and a greater emphasis on public safety. The party argues that Germany's crime rate is too high and that the government needs to take more decisive action to protect its citizens. This message has resonated with some voters who are concerned about crime and violence in their communities.

Claus's views on law and order are likely aligned with the AfD's platform, which emphasizes the importance of public safety and calls for stricter law enforcement. The AfD has proposed measures such as increasing police funding, tightening border controls, and deporting foreign criminals.

The AfD has also focused on issues such as family policy, advocating for policies that support traditional families and promote the birth rate. The party argues that Germany's population is declining and that the government needs to do more to encourage couples to have children. This message has resonated with some voters who are concerned about the future of German society.

Claus's views on family policy are likely aligned with the AfD's platform, which emphasizes the importance of traditional families and calls for policies that support them. The AfD has proposed measures such as increasing child benefits, providing tax breaks for families, and promoting traditional gender roles.

The AfD has also taken a strong stance on cultural issues, advocating for the preservation of German culture and identity. The party argues that Germany's cultural heritage is under threat from globalization and immigration and that the government needs to do more to protect it. This message has resonated with some voters who are concerned about the erosion of German traditions.

Claus's views on cultural issues are likely aligned with the AfD's platform, which emphasizes the importance of preserving German culture and identity. The AfD has proposed measures such as promoting German language and culture in schools, restricting immigration from non-European countries, and banning the construction of mosques.

The AfD's success has also been attributed to its ability to tap into a sense of alienation and disaffection among certain segments of the German population. Some voters feel that they have been left behind by globalization and that the traditional political parties no longer represent their interests. The AfD has been able to capitalize on this sentiment by presenting itself as an alternative to the mainstream parties.

Claus's own background and experiences may have contributed to his ability to connect with these voters. As someone who has worked in both the political and business worlds, he may be seen as someone who understands the concerns of ordinary people.

The AfD's future success will depend on its ability to broaden its appeal and to overcome the controversies that have plagued it in the past. The party will need to convince voters that it is a responsible and credible alternative to the mainstream parties and that it is capable of governing effectively.

Claus's own role in this process will be crucial. As a prominent figure within the AfD, he will need to demonstrate leadership and to work with other party leaders to develop a coherent and compelling vision for the future of Germany.

The challenges facing Germany are complex and multifaceted, and there are no easy solutions. The AfD's rise has highlighted the need for a national conversation about the future of German society and the role that the country should play in the world. This conversation will need to involve all segments of society and to be conducted in a spirit of openness and mutual respect.

Alexander Claus's journey through the ranks of the AfD, his focus on economic policy, and his involvement in various community and business ventures offer a compelling lens through which to examine the evolving political landscape of Germany. His success, along with that of the AfD, hinges on their ability to address the complex challenges facing the nation and to connect with voters in a meaningful and sustainable way.