Matthias Helferich alleges assault by AfD colleague at NRW party conference

At the AfD Landesvertreterversammlung in Marl, North Rhine‑Westphalia, Bundestag member Matthias Helferich said fellow MP Knuth Meyer‑Soltau "beschimpft und vom Stuhl geschubst" him during a heated debate. Helferich announced he will file a criminal complaint. The incident is part of a broader power struggle between the Vincentz faction and Helferich’s supporters over the composition of the party’s state list for the 2027 NRW Landtag election. AfD federal leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla called for professionalism and unity, urging mediation to resolve the dispute. The federal board has requested statements from those involved and plans to mediate between the factions.