In June, a lawmaker from the AfD party submitted eight inquiries concerning drone defense capabilities of the local police. These inquiries prompted accusations from centrist politicians, who believe the AfD is attempting to expose sensitive information that could be used by Moscow in its war efforts. The questions from the AfD focused on critical infrastructure and security authorities, raising concerns that the party is acting on behalf of the Kremlin. Critics argue that the AfD’s frequent pro-Kremlin stances and inquiries suggest an alignment with Russian interests.
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Berlin prosecutors have charged a member of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party with performing a Nazi salute in parliament. The incident allegedly occurred in June 2023, where the suspect greeted a colleague with a Hitler salute at the Reichstag building. The accused, identified by Bild as Matthias Moosdorf, denies the gesture and had his parliamentary immunity removed in October. Moosdorf, a former foreign policy spokesperson, has faced scrutiny due to his pro-Russia stance and holds an honorary professorship at a Moscow music academy.
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Mass protests in the central German town of Giessen against the new AfD youth group are a clear indication of the deep-seated anxieties surrounding the rise of far-right ideologies in Germany. It’s hard to ignore the symbolism here, with the AfD, a party known for its extremist leanings, attempting to rebrand its youth wing after a previous iteration was deemed too extreme, even for them. The new organization, “Generation Deutschland,” raises immediate red flags, as it mirrors the name of a far-right youth movement outlawed in France. This deliberate choice of name suggests a concerning desire to appeal to and potentially recruit from a demographic that might be receptive to such ideologies.… Continue reading
AP News has reported that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) established its new youth organization, Generation Germany, in Giessen, Germany, despite thousands of protesters converging on the city. The AfD’s convention was delayed due to road blockades and clashes between protesters and police, who deployed pepper spray and water cannons. The new youth organization aims to have closer oversight from the party and will be led by Jean-Pascal Hohm, a former member of the dissolved Young Alternative, which was deemed a right-wing extremist group. The AfD, now the largest opposition party, aims to capitalize on anti-establishment sentiment and is confident about its prospects in upcoming regional elections.
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Reports indicate that a delegation of AfD politicians may be traveling to the U.S. next month, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. This visit is of interest as some U.S. officials have expressed support for the AfD, and its leaders view the trip as a chance to bolster claims of persecution within Germany. These claims come in the wake of the AfD being labeled an extremist organization by Germany’s intelligence agency, a move that some U.S. officials have criticized. The invitation to Washington, extended by Luna, was met positively by AfD co-leader Alice Weidel who expressed interest in discussing further arrangements.
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The US government’s recent decision to designate several European anti-fascist and related groups as terrorist organizations, including Germany’s Antifa Ost, has been met with both support and concern. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland party welcomed the move, urging similar action from European governments. However, historians and anti-fascist scholars warn that such a designation sets a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to a broader crackdown on left-wing activism, especially as far-right groups gain political traction. The US State Department’s decision could result in asset freezing and travel bans for the targeted groups, prompting discussions on the broad definition of “antifa” and the potential for misapplication of the term.
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During a recent interview, a co-leader of Germany’s far-right AfD party suggested that Poland poses a similar threat to Germany as Russia, citing differing economic interests and a recent extradition refusal. This statement follows the AfD’s history of downplaying Nazi crimes and its opposition to a memorial for Polish victims of World War II. The comments were quickly condemned by a politician from the Christian Democratic Union. This is not the first instance of criticism against the AfD, as the party has been accused of pro-Russian sympathies and has previously faced controversy for its actions and statements regarding Russia.
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Addressing the anniversary of Kristallnacht, President Steinmeier hinted at the potential banning of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party experiencing a surge in popularity. He urged mainstream political parties to collaborate to protect democracy, specifically discouraging any cooperation with extremist groups. Steinmeier’s remarks emphasized the historical precedent of extremist parties gaining power through the support or inaction of others, drawing parallels to the downfall of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. This statement comes amidst a divide among AfD’s opponents, with some advocating for a ban while others see it as a counterproductive measure.
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The AfD party is facing accusations of acting as a Russian “sleeper cell” by using parliamentary questions to gather sensitive information. These inquiries have allegedly targeted critical infrastructure, security, and military matters. CDU lawmakers have accused the AfD of pro-Russia alignment. Although the AfD has denied these accusations, they have not offered explanations for their enquiries.
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Recent allegations accuse members of the AfD in Thuringia of using parliamentary inquiries to gather sensitive information potentially for Russia, with a focus on critical infrastructure and police capabilities. Interior Minister Georg Maier stated that the AfD’s questions suggest they are working through a “Kremlin order list.” These accusations have been met with denial by AfD politicians who have called the allegations “bizarre conspiracy theories,” despite the AfD being classified as right-wing extremist. Other politicians, like those from the CDU and Green Party, have echoed concerns about the AfD’s ties to Russia and its potential influence.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood