Former AfD Leader Alexander Gauland Undergoes Cancer Treatment

Former Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader and current Bundestag member Alexander Gauland is undergoing treatment for cancer, significantly restricting his parliamentary work. His office manager, Marco Wall, confirmed that the 85-year-old lawmaker has undergone three surgical procedures and is currently receiving chemotherapy.

According to statements provided by Wall to the news portal Tag24, Gauland's medical situation has required him to conduct his official duties predominantly from home since early last year. Wall stated that since the beginning of last year, Mr. Dr. Gauland has only been able to participate in the sessions of the German Bundestag to a limited extent due to a cancer illness. His office added that attendance at parliamentary sessions remains dependent on the ongoing schedule and recovery from his chemotherapy.

Voting records from the current legislative session show that Gauland participated in 47 out of 85 roll-call votes, remaining absent for 38 ballots. His absence was particularly pronounced following the parliamentary summer recess, during which he missed 17 consecutive roll-call votes between late September and mid-October.

Despite his reduced schedule, Gauland made a public appearance on October 26 in Stollberg, Saxony, participating in a podium discussion on German foreign policy regarding Russia alongside former SPD politician Thilo Sarrazin. Wall explained that the politician undertook the travel due to the event's location near his constituency and his interest in the subject matter.

Gauland, a founding member of the AfD, previously served as federal co-chairman of the party from 2017 to 2019 and led its parliamentary group until 2021. In the federal election held in February 2025, he won the direct mandate in his birthplace of Chemnitz with 32.2 percent of the first-preference vote, becoming the oldest member of the current parliament. His office did not disclose the precise date of his initial diagnosis or whether the condition was known prior to the February election.

Written by Sandy van Dongen sandy.vandongen@alpineweekly.com