AfD Moves to Expel Alexander Eichwald After Controversial Speech

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has initiated proceedings to expel Alexander Eichwald following a highly controversial speech delivered at a youth congress in Gießen. Eichwald, who recently joined the party, attracted significant attention after his public address was widely criticized for its stylistic resemblance to the speeches of Adolf Hitler.

The incident occurred during the founding event of the AfD's new youth wing, Generation Deutschland (GD), where Eichwald was a candidate for a board position. His delivery, marked by emphatic gestures and a pronounced accent, included statements emphasizing national loyalty and the need to protect German culture from foreign influences. Observers noted that both the content and manner of his speech closely mirrored elements associated with Nazi-era rhetoric.

Following the event, internal discussions within the AfD and public debate intensified regarding Eichwald's intentions. Many questioned whether the speech was a deliberate provocation. The local AfD chapter in Herford, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, responded by immediately removing Eichwald from its city council faction. Party officials subsequently submitted a formal request to the state arbitration court to begin expulsion proceedings, citing conduct that was deemed incompatible with the party's values.

The party's arbitration body is currently reviewing the application, and a decision to open formal proceedings is expected soon. Should the case proceed, Eichwald could be stripped of his membership rights while the process is ongoing. Party sources indicated that the review would be conducted swiftly, reflecting the seriousness with which the party regards the matter.

In the aftermath of his speech, Eichwald was also relieved of almost all his roles as a 'sachkundiger Bürger'--a voluntary advisory position in local council committees--in Herford. The city council is expected to take further steps to remove him from his remaining committee assignments, effectively ending his ability to participate in official proceedings. Once these measures are finalized, Eichwald will no longer hold any formal position or speaking rights within the municipal administration.

Maximilian Kneller, a Bundestag member representing the region, commented that Eichwald was largely unknown within the party prior to this incident and had not previously drawn attention to himself. This has led to speculation that the speech at the youth congress may have been a calculated act rather than an isolated lapse in judgment.

The AfD has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over the conduct and rhetoric of its members, particularly regarding issues related to Germany's historical legacy. The party leadership has reiterated its commitment to distancing itself from any extremist or historically charged expressions. The move to expel Eichwald underscores the party's efforts to maintain its public image and to enforce internal standards regarding acceptable conduct and speech among its members.