AfD co-founder Alexander Gauland is currently undergoing chemotherapy after undergoing three separate surgeries to treat cancer, TAG24 reported.
The 85-year-old politician's health condition has limited his ability to perform his duties in the German Bundestag. According to his office manager, Marco Wall, Gauland has only been able to participate in parliamentary sessions on a restricted basis since early last year.
Impact on parliamentary duties
Gauland’s medical treatment has directly affected his presence in the Bundestag. Data analyzed by TAG24 shows that during the current legislative period, he has participated in only 47 out of 85 recorded votes, representing a participation rate of approximately 55 percent.
The impact was particularly notable between September 24 and October 15, during which he did not cast a vote in any of the 17 scheduled sessions. Due to the effects of his treatment, the AfD honorary chairman is currently performing the majority of his political work from home.
Bernd Baumann, the First Parliamentary Secretary of the AfD parliamentary group, told journalists in Berlin that the party received the news with “great shock.” Tages-Anzeiger reported that Baumann described Gauland as one of the “pillars” of the party and noted that the politician had displayed “iron discipline” by continuing to sit in the plenum despite his declining health.
Timeline of medical treatment
While the specific date of the initial diagnosis remains unknown, the medical intervention has been extensive. Gauland’s office has not disclosed exactly when doctors first identified the illness, leaving it unclear if he was aware of the diagnosis prior to the February 2025 federal election.
The current status of his medical care includes:
- Three completed surgical procedures.
- Ongoing chemotherapy sessions.
- A recovery-dependent schedule for returning to parliamentary sessions.
Despite these health challenges, Gauland made his first public appearance in some time on October 26 in Stollberg. During this event, he participated in a discussion regarding German eastern policy with former SPD politician Thilo Sarrazin.
Gauland attends parliamentary meetings depending on chemotherapy progress
At 85, Gauland is currently the oldest member of the German Bundestag. He secured his direct mandate in the Chemnitz constituency with 32.2 percent of the first votes during the most recent election.
His office stated that his ability to attend future sessions will depend entirely on the progress of his chemotherapy. While his physical presence in the plenum is currently limited, his staff indicated that he hopes to resume more frequent attendance at parliamentary meetings in the future.
How many surgeries has Alexander Gauland had for cancer?
According to reports from TAG24 and Tages-Anzeiger, the 85-year-old politician has undergone three surgeries to date.
Is Alexander Gauland still active in the Bundestag?
Yes, though his participation is limited. He currently works primarily from home and his attendance at sessions depends on the results of his ongoing chemotherapy.
What is Gauland’s current role in the AfD?
Alexander Gauland serves as the honorary chairman of the party and faction and holds a direct mandate for the Chemnitz constituency.
Worth a look