Far-Right Speaker Creates Stir at AfD Youth Conference

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) faced unexpected turmoil during its youth conference last weekend when newcomer Alexander Eichwald delivered a controversial speech that raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. This event marked the inaugural meeting of the party’s new youth wing, Generation Deutschland (GD), designed to cultivate future leaders within the party.

Eichwald, clad in a blue dinner jacket, took to the podium and declared, “My honourable comrades, it is our obligation to protect German culture from foreign influences.” His oratory style, reminiscent of historical fascist rhetoric, featured exaggerated gestures and a pronounced delivery. As he spoke, delegates exchanged puzzled glances, and one attendee eventually questioned, “Are you an agent of the state? There’s no other explanation for this.”

Speculation quickly arose regarding Eichwald’s sudden appearance, with discussions suggesting he may have been a plant from one of Germany’s satirical news programs. Currently, the only trace of him online leads to a music website featuring an artist named Alex Oak, who bears a striking resemblance to Eichwald.

Local AfD leader Michel Schneidermann criticized Eichwald’s remarks, stating, “He dragged all of us into the dirt with his language and rhetoric from the National Socialist era that has no place in the AfD.” Despite the uproar, Eichwald managed to garner 12 percent support from delegates for a minor party position, illustrating a divide within the party’s youth wing.

The formation of Generation Deutschland follows the disbandment of the previous youth organization, the Young Alternative. This earlier group faced significant scrutiny after three of its leaders were convicted for planning terrorist attacks, prompting German domestic intelligence to label their organization as right-wing extremist. Concerns linger about the current leadership, particularly Jean-Pascal Hohm, the 28-year-old media manager and web designer at the helm of the new youth wing.

Hohm has characterized members of GD as “German patriots who always ask ourselves first what is in the best interests of our citizens and land.” He joined the AfD in 2014 and currently serves in the Brandenburg state parliament. Recent investigations by Der Spiegel have unveiled connections between the AfD and far-right groups in Italy and Austria, alongside social media activity linked to neo-Nazi bands. Hohm has denied endorsing extremist views, asserting a commitment to effecting change through legitimate political processes.

During the conference, Hohm avoided using radical language, though other delegates echoed more extreme sentiments. Julia Gehrkens, an AfD delegate, received applause for her assertion that “only millions of remigration cases will protect our women and children,” referencing a controversial policy aimed at deporting non-ethnic German citizens.

The event drew significant public attention, with approximately 30,000 protesters gathered outside the venue, leading to clashes with police that resulted in injuries to 37 protesters and over 50 officers. As the AfD re-establishes its youth organization, the party currently leads opinion polls with a projected 27 percent support rate.

Looking ahead, the AfD aims to capitalize on its current momentum in the upcoming regional elections, particularly in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, where local polls indicate support could reach as high as 40 percent. This surge in popularity presents both opportunities and challenges for the party as it navigates the complexities of its identity and public perception.