The AfD in North Rhine-Westphalia, the party's largest state association, is currently experiencing a deep split. During a nomination meeting in Marl for the 2027 state election, chaotic scenes occurred, which have been described as the "Battle of Marl." Two irreconcilable camps are facing each other: on one side, the moderate state leader Martin Vincentz, and on the other, the far-right mastermind Matthias Helferich, a supporter of the Höcke wing. After three days, the assembly ended in a blockade after the Vincentz camp successfully pushed through its candidates and the Helferich camp attempted to disrupt the election with a flood of joke candidates.