There are news items that can only be processed with a glass of absinthe and a cold washcloth on your face. The AfD, self-proclaimed voice of the oppressed people, has quietly but generously rewarded itself - with a salary that seems as down-to-earth as an SUV in a cowshed.
Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla - those brave fighters against the supposed greed of the political class - will now treat themselves to around 24,000 euros per month. Twelve for the mandate, twelve for the effort of calling each other by first name on Markus Lanz’s talk show. The reasoning? Responsibility. Leadership. Burden. Just imagine if Karl Marx had written “Capital” using this logic - it would have become a guidebook for executive bonuses. But the AfD is thinking of the whole people - meaning: their entire parliamentary leadership. Even the second row, which usually only shines in Telegram groups and talk shows, will now be allowed to pocket a hefty extra from the taxpayer. 6,000 euros more - as a reward for tirelessly twisting facts, daily framing, choreographed outrage on X, and spinelessly pushing conspiracy theories. Hate, we have now learned, is hard work. And hard work should pay off - in euros, not applause.
Of course, some are outraged. Even within the AfD. People are said to be “shocked.” Perhaps not about the greed - but about the transparency. They had hoped for more discreet self-enrichment. Like in the old days. When foreign party donations were still enough of a cover and consulting contracts were handed out like Advent calendar treats. The irony? While they shout “traitors of the people” outside the Bundestag, inside they let the state - the one they claim to want to abolish - fill their bank accounts. It is the thoroughly German combination of revenge and return. This is how populism turns a profit. And the beauty of the new function bonus? It works like a punch in the gut to all those who gave the AfD their vote out of fear, anger or naivety. Because the party that claimed to speak for the left behind now speaks fluent civil servant - on pay slips with five digits before the comma.
What remains? A party that gilds itself with the money of the “system lackeys” while preaching “system change.” A leadership that pretends to be working class and lives like shareholders. And a country that must watch as far-right rhetoric turns into real revenue. Perhaps this is the new social patriotism - those who shout “fake news” the loudest get the biggest bonus. Those who contradict themselves daily get tax-free side income. And those who hate the system - feed on it. Welcome to the republic of selective rebellion. Welcome to the AfD.
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