AfD faction splits in Recklinghausen district council

The AfD faction in the Recklinghausen district council has split into two separate groups following the departure of four members. The original faction has shrunk from 14 to 10 members, while the four defectors have formed the ‘AfD im Vest Recklinghausen’ faction.

In the remaining 10-member group, Steffen Christ was reconfirmed as chairman, with André Klitzsch appointed as the new co-chairman. Udo Pöpperling remains in leadership as deputy chairman. In the newly formed four-member faction, Claudia Eschweiler was elected chair, with Michael Weiß serving as her deputy and Markus-Julius Maximus Alinaghi taking over management.

The split has resulted in increased costs for taxpayers, as the existence of two separate factions entitles both groups to specific parliamentary rights and additional compensation. The original faction is currently considering expulsion proceedings against the members who left.