The economist from Goldman Sachs rising to lead Germany's far-right
Before she was a central figure in German politics, Alice Weidel was an elite economist. From analyzing Chinese pensions to working at Goldman Sachs, her professional pedigree seems at odds with the populist movement she now co-leads.
Alice Weidel’s trajectory from international finance to the forefront of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is marked by a highly specialized academic and professional background. Born in 1979 in West Germany, Weidel graduated at the top of her class from the University of Bayreuth in 2004, having studied economics and business administration. Her career included a tenure as an analyst for Goldman Sachs Asset Management in Frankfurt and several years living in China, where she worked for the Bank of China and authored a doctoral thesis on the nation's pension system. She later held roles at Allianz Global Investors and worked as a freelance consultant.
Since joining the AfD in 2013, Weidel has ascended to become the leader of the party's parliamentary group in the Bundestag and a candidate for Chancellor in the 2025 federal election. While she identifies with the more moderate 'Alternative Mitte' faction, her policy platform is deeply rooted in neoliberalism and economic liberalism, citing Margaret Thatcher as her primary role model. Her economic proposals include tax cuts, the abolition of inheritance tax, and a preference for a 'Canadian-style' immigration system that prioritizes skilled workers over unskilled labor.
Her political identity is a complex blend of seemingly contradictory elements. As a lesbian in a long-term partnership with Sarah Bossard, she occupies a unique position within a party that champions 'traditional family' values. Furthermore, while she has expressed skepticism regarding the long-term viability of the Euro and has advocated for 'interest-driven' foreign policy, she has also distanced herself from some of the party's more extreme pro-Russia sentiments, citing her personal family history of escaping from an occupying power. As the AfD continues to grow, Weidel remains a pivotal figure in shaping the party's approach to the European Union, migration, and German sovereignty.
Source: Alice Weidel
