The German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU party, has expressed deep skepticism regarding the newly formed youth organization of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), predicting it will mirror the extremist tendencies of its predecessor and the party itself. In remarks published by the Bayern Media Group, Dobrindt stated, “My personal assessment: the AfD is an extremist party” adding that his expectation for a positive divergence in the youth organization’s stance is “close to zero.
This assessment comes amidst heightened security measures at the organization’s founding meeting in Gießen, reflecting significant concerns regarding the potential for radicalization and unrest. While acknowledging the current polarized climate, Dobrindt cautioned against drawing direct comparisons to the 1930s. He emphasized a crucial shift in the nature of the threat, noting, “The polarization we see today differs significantly from that of the 1930s. The danger is less visible on the street; it’s digitally driven, characterized by increased reach and emotional intensity and therefore has a significantly greater impact.
Dobrindt’s warning extends beyond the potential impact of the AfD’s youth wing, targeting the German business community. He urged caution against any perceived rapprochement with the party, highlighting the potential detriment to Germany’s economic stability and international standing. “Businesses must be aware that a country increasingly characterized by polarization does not strengthen its stability or its ability to achieve international success; it weakens it” he stated. Dobrindt’s admonishment follows last week’s controversial decision by the “Family Businesses” association to dismantle the traditional firewall between the organization and the AfD, a move viewed by many as a concerning normalization of the party’s increasingly controversial platform. The Interior Minister’s comments underscore a concerted effort to counter the expanding influence of the AfD and its affiliated groups, particularly in the digital sphere, while simultaneously warning of the long-term economic implications of engaging with a party deemed by a leading government figure to be extremist in nature.
