Henning Conle: A Controversial Figure in German and Swiss Politics
Henning Conle, a German-Swiss real estate entrepreneur, has become a well-known name within the German far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Conle’s involvement with the party dates back to 2015, when he reportedly met with AfD leaders, including Frauke Petry and Jörg Meuthen, in Zurich.
According to Petry’s account in her book following her departure from the AfD, Conle maintained a connection with Meuthen. A conglomerate consisting of Conle and the Swiss advertising company Goal AG is alleged to have provided financial support for the AfD’s Facebook campaigns.
Conle’s Role in AfD’s Election Funding
Recent reports by German magazine Der Spiegel and Austrian newspaper Der Standard, citing Austrian authorities, have implicated Conle in another significant election funding scandal. According to the allegations, Conle is behind a EUR 2.3 million donation that has been used to finance a private election campaign for the AfD in Germany by Austrian businessman Gerhard Dingler.
Dingler, who is known for his right-wing views and support of the populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), has been providing financial backing to the AfD since 2018. The latest donation, made through a Liechtenstein-based company, has raised concerns about foreign interference in German elections.
The Man Behind the Money
Henning Conle is a prominent figure in the German real estate industry. He is the founder and CEO of Conle Holding, a company that owns and manages a portfolio of properties in Germany, Switzerland, and other European countries.
Conle’s business dealings have not been without controversy. In 2018, he was accused by the German news magazine Focus of tax evasion and money laundering. He has also faced allegations of financing far-right groups, including the AfD.
The AfD’s Links to Extremism
The AfD, founded in 2013, has become a significant force in German politics, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with the country’s immigration and refugee policies. However, the party has also been criticized for its close ties to far-right and extremist groups.
The party’s leadership has been accused of downplaying the Holocaust and Nazi crimes. Several AfD members have been linked to neo-Nazi organizations, and the party has been placed under surveillance by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.
Political Fallout
The allegations of foreign funding and the party’s links to extremism have cast a shadow over the AfD. The party has been criticized by other political parties, and there have been calls for it to be banned.
The funding scandal has also damaged the reputation of Jörg Meuthen, who served as co-leader of the AfD until January 2022. Meuthen has denied any wrongdoing, but the allegations have raised questions about his judgment and leadership abilities.
Conclusion
Henning Conle’s involvement in AfD politics and election funding has raised concerns about the party’s financial practices and its ties to extremism. The allegations of foreign interference and the party’s ongoing controversies highlight the challenges Germany faces in addressing the rise of the far right.
