An AfD member has sparked controversy by making a speech reminiscent of the Nazi dictator over the weekend
The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has expelled a member after he sparked controversy by delivering a speech reminiscent of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler at a youth event for the party over the weekend.
Identified as Alexander Eichwald, the man was vying for a leadership position in the ‘Generation Germany’ youth movement. In his application speech, he appeared to be speaking and gesticulating in a Hitler-like manner as he urged fellow party members to “protect German culture from foreign influence.”
His speech caused booing and confusion in the hall and drew criticism on social media, according to the German broadcaster ARD.
The AfD promptly severed all ties with Eichwald. Party co-leader Tino Chrupalla said on Monday that the man already “received the expulsion notice.”
“We don’t want people like [him] in our party,” Chrupalla said, calling Eichwald’s performance at the event “bad satire,” while noting that the man only joined the party a couple of months ago.
The incident sparked debate within the AfD and online about whether the speech was a deliberate stunt. Some people suspect he was an informant for Germany’s domestic intelligence service (BfV).
The weekend event in Giessen was also marred by leftist demonstrations against the AfD in the city, which caused traffic disruptions and led to clashes between demonstrators and police.
The AfD, which has been gaining popularity in Germany in recent years, has faced increasing scrutiny from the authorities. In May, the BfV classified it as an ‘extremist’ organization, which allows police to closely monitor the party’s activities.
Known for its anti-immigration rhetoric, the AFD has been ostracized by all other parties as part of the ‘firewall against the far-right’ policy, which drew condemnation from US Vice President J.D. Vance as an attempt to “suppress opposition.”
The party tops opinion polls, with 26-27% support, according to surveys published by INSA and FORSA earlier this week.
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