Herford AfD District Seeks Expulsion of Alexander Eichwald Following Controversial Speech

The Herford district branch of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has initiated proceedings to expel Alexander Eichwald from the party. Eichwald, who joined the AfD shortly before his public appearance, came under scrutiny after delivering a speech at the founding event of the new AfD youth organization, Generation Deutschland (GD), in Gießen at the end of November. His address, which included gestures and language reminiscent of historical nationalist rhetoric, quickly gained widespread attention across social media platforms.

According to official statements, the Herford AfD district submitted a formal request for a party expulsion process, which is currently under review by the regional arbitration court. If the procedure is formally opened, Eichwald could face the immediate suspension of his membership rights within the party.

In his speech, Eichwald sought a position on the GD board, expressing positions centered on national loyalty and cultural preservation. The delivery and phrasing of his remarks sparked significant public debate, with many observers noting similarities to rhetoric used in Germany's past. Videos of his address rapidly circulated online, leading to intensified scrutiny from both within the party and the general public.

In response to the incident, the Herford AfD promptly moved to remove Eichwald from its city council group and began preparing formal expulsion actions. Party officials from the region stated that Eichwald had only been a member for a brief period and had not previously drawn attention. There were also allegations from within the party suggesting that Eichwald's actions may have been premeditated.

Beyond the party's internal actions, Eichwald faced further repercussions at the municipal level. The Herford city council revoked his status as an expert citizen in almost all committee positions. This role, reserved for elected volunteers in specialized committees, allowed Eichwald to contribute input on local government matters. A final vote is expected to remove him from his remaining committee position by the end of February.

Party leadership at the national and regional levels addressed the situation swiftly. It was communicated that Eichwald would not remain a member of the AfD, and he was encouraged to voluntarily resign to avoid formal expulsion. The Herford district branch publicly reiterated its position, emphasizing that conduct of this nature is incompatible with party membership.

This case highlights the AfD's internal disciplinary mechanisms and the broader challenges faced by political organizations in responding to controversial actions by their members. As the expulsion process moves forward, it draws attention to the party's ongoing efforts to manage its public image and internal standards.

The arbitration court's decision will determine whether Eichwald's membership will be terminated, following the procedural guidelines established by party rules. The incident has provoked a wider discussion about the responsibilities of political parties in addressing inappropriate conduct and the measures they employ to uphold organizational values.