In Taufkirchen, near Munich, a candidate from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) for the upcoming local election on March 8 has surfaced with a troubling background in the far-right movement. Uwe Görler, the mayoral candidate, has reportedly participated in rallies organized by groups such as 'Pro Deutschland', the Identitarian Movement, and Pegida. These associations are widely recognized for their extremist views and are included on the AfD's 'incompatibility list', which is intended to bar membership from such organizations, suggesting that the party aims to distance itself from open extremism.

However, the credibility of this incompatibility list is called into question by experts. Robert Andreasch, a specialist in right-wing extremism and a journalist, commented that the list "is not worth the paper it is printed on" and has little impact in practice. This contradiction highlights the ongoing tensions within the AfD as it attempts to navigate its identity amid a climate of increased scrutiny over far-right ideologies in German politics. Görler's candidacy thus represents a potential point of contention for the party, especially as it seeks to appeal to a broader electorate while grappling with its extremist roots.

As the local elections approach, the revelation poses significant implications not only for Görler's campaign but also for the AfD's public image. The party's efforts to distance itself from extremism are undermined by the involvement of its candidates in far-right activities, indicating a struggle within the party to balance its appeal to traditional conservative voters against the far-right factions it has attracted. This situation may lead to intensified discussions about the AfD's direction, its acceptance of extremist individuals, and the impact on its electoral prospects in local and national contexts.