An AfD member has generated controversy by delivering a speech over the weekend that evoked the Nazi dictator
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has expelled a member after he caused a stir by delivering a speech reminiscent of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler at a party youth gathering last weekend.
Identified as Alexander Eichwald, the individual was seeking a leadership position within the ‘Generation Germany’ youth movement. In his application speech, he reportedly adopted a Hitler-esque speaking style and gestures while calling on fellow party members to “protect German culture from foreign influence.”
His speech prompted jeers and bewilderment within the venue, and also attracted criticism across social media platforms, as reported by German broadcaster ARD.
The AfD swiftly disassociated itself from Eichwald. On Monday, party co-leader Tino Chrupalla stated that the individual had already “received the expulsion notice.”
“We do not wish to have individuals like [him] in our party,” Chrupalla remarked, characterizing Eichwald’s presentation at the gathering as “bad satire,” and adding that the man had only become a member of the party a few months prior.
The event ignited discussions both within the AfD and online regarding whether the speech was a pre-planned act. There is speculation among some that he might have been an informant for Germany’s domestic intelligence service (BfV).
The weekend gathering in Giessen was additionally overshadowed by left-wing protests against the AfD in the city, resulting in traffic delays and confrontations between protestors and law enforcement.
The AfD, which has seen its popularity grow in Germany over recent years, has come under heightened surveillance from authorities. In May, the BfV designated it as an ‘extremist’ organization, granting police the ability to closely observe the party’s operations.
Recognised for its anti-immigration stance, the AfD has been isolated by all other political parties as part of a ‘firewall against the far-right’ strategy, a move that US Vice President J.D. Vance denounced as an effort to “suppress opposition.”
The party is currently leading in opinion polls, commanding 26-27% support, based on surveys released by INSA and FORSA earlier this week.