Tino Chrupalla, co-leader of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, demanded the complete withdrawal of US troops from the country during a speech at the party's congress in Saxony on Saturday. He argued that Germany should pursue a more independent foreign policy by 2029 and avoid being drawn into international conflicts.

"Let's start putting this into practice by withdrawing US troops from Germany," Chrupalla told supporters. The AfD platform calls for the removal of all allied troops stationed on German soil, including their nuclear weapons. Chrupalla praised Spain's socialist government for barring the US from using its bases in operations against Iran, suggesting Germany follow suit.

Germany hosts nearly 40,000 US troops, the largest American military presence in Europe, primarily in bases like Ramstein Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate. Ramstein serves as a key hub for US operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including the recent coordination of strikes against Iran.

The demand comes amid heightened tensions over the ongoing Iran conflict and US frustrations with NATO allies. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering pulling troops from Germany due to insufficient defense spending by European partners, demanding at least 5% of GDP. Trump has criticized NATO as overly reliant on the US and warned of reconsidering security commitments without greater support in West Asia, including securing the Strait of Hormuz.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused the US of a "massive escalation" in the Iran conflict. Opposition figures have raised concerns about Ramstein's role, fearing it could make Germany a target for retaliation. Chrupalla has previously stated that NATO serves US interests too closely and dismissed Russia as an immediate threat to Germany.

The US military footprint in Germany dates to the post-World War II era and bolsters NATO's defense against Russia. Recent AfD electoral gains, including 19.5% in last week's Rhineland-Palatinate state election, have boosted the party's profile. However, the party's Saxony branch is classified as right-wing extremist by domestic intelligence, a label AfD rejects.

Chrupalla's remarks align with long-standing AfD criticism of transatlantic ties, positioning the party for the 2029 federal elections, where it aims for governing power.