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The German far-right alternate organization for Germany (AfD) obtained 20.8 percent of the vote in the German parliamentary election held on 23 February. Photos show that many neo-Nazis participated in events organized by the organization throughout the full period of her campaign, which confirms the close links of the organization to the most utmost right-wing segment.
Date of issue: 28/02/2025 - 19:33
Duration: 10 min
The utmost right-wing nationalists participated in the AfD events throughout the campaign.
By:Watch Team
While the AfD organization is headed by Alice Weidel, reported an increase in support across the country, the biggest victories in East Germany, where 32 percent of the population voted for it, an unprecedented percentage.
Meanwhile, the organization tightens its bonds with the most utmost right-wing section – neo-Nazis. To a large extent, the symbolism that AfD adopted can be seen in neo-Nazi influences. For example, the slogan "Alice für Deutschland" ("Alice for Germany") was criticized for similarity to the slogan utilized by Nazi stormers. However, these connections became truly clear erstwhile neo-Nazis began to participate in the campaign.
One example is the AfD gathering in Thuringia, which took place on 22 February, erstwhile the troops there celebrated the end of the campaign. AfD members in this national state are known as the most extremist in the party. It was attended by organization leaders Björn Höcke And Stefan Möller.
When we analyzed the photos from the gathering that were posted on the Internet, We noticed a number of signs indicating the presence of neo-Nazis. Some of these photos were found on PixelArchiv's website, which archives photos of people present at utmost right-wing protests in Germany. The photograph taken on 22 February in Erfurt shows a man dressed in black, including a shirt with the inscription "Kampf der Nibelungen".
The shirt refers to the MMA tournament and the brand of clothes closely related to neo-Naziism. The tournament, which was created in 2013, was banned by the Dresden court in 2019 due to the hazard of violence.
The court found, according to the German paper "Der Spiegel", that the tournament was aimed at "preparing political struggle". The municipality of Ortiz, in which the tournament was to take place, stated that the tournament posed a threat to safety and public order.
Analyzing photos from AfD events, we have besides discovered that many people wear clothing brands specified as Thor Steinar, besides associated with the neo-Nazi movement. This brand is known for its unequivocal declarations and for being the favourite of German neo-Nazis.
"The Thuringia branch is undoubtedly the most extremist AfD branch"
Often, there are signs of neo-Nazi affiliation at AfD meetings in the region. East Germany has always been a susceptible ground for creating far-right extremist groups.
Valérie Dubslaff, who lectures at the French University of Rennes 2 and specializes in the German far right, says that the full AfD is headed for neo-Naziism:
The most extremist AfD fragments are in East Germany. For example, branches in Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia are under the supervision of the national Office for the Protection of the Constitution [ed.: German intelligence services].
The Thuringia branch is undoubtedly the most extremist AfD branch. Just note that The head of this branch, Björn Höcke, is clearly a neo-Nazi. Example: the courts rejected all complaints of defamation that the branch filed against opponents who claimed to be a fascist.
Campaign under the protection of neo-Nazi activists
During the campaign, neo-Nazistov activists regularly appeared at AfD events. These links were documented by peculiar investigation groups, frequently associated with anti-fascist movements.
In Erfurt "Recherchegruppe Erfurt", a group of investigators associated with the anti-fascist movement, late identified photographs depicting neo-Nazis at AfD stands. In 1 of the photos, the AfD candidate Alexander Claus poses with neo-Nazis alongside 1 of the party's stands.
In this photo, a neo-Nazi militant turns his hands into a symbol of the 3rd Reich. © Rechercheportal Jena-SHK
This photograph was later removed by the account owner, but on his Instagram you can find another traces of his neo-Nazi involvement. On the photograph published on January 11, a young man makes a sign "OK". But these are not the letters he pronounces. This motion is widely utilized in white supremacy circles to represent "WPO" for white strength, according to indextreme.fr.
A young man creates with his fingers the symbol "ok" in this photograph published on January 10, 2025. In the circles of white power, the motion represents "WPO" or white strength. © Observers
"They want to full integrate youth with the organization to defend it from possible solution"
The Neonazist in the photograph has close links to Junge Alternative, according to investigators from Rechercheportal Jena-SHK. Felix Steiner, a associate of Mobit, a group from Thuringia that fights the far right, explained that Junge Alternative, who was now disbanded, was the group where the AfD leaders forged:
Junge alternate was an AFD youth organization. These members are sometimes advanced school students or universities. As part of the group, young people play sports, participate in conferences and walk on mountains. This organization is frequently seen as rather radical.
The organization was disbanded by the AFD to reorganise it. They want to full integrate youths into the organization to defend them from any possible solution or repression.
City authoritative AfD associated with neo-Nazis
Some AfD candidates keep long relations with neo-Nazi activists in the region. This is the case with Ronny Kupf, chosen from the AfD arm in Magdeburg. Kumpf appeared in a 2022 photo, posing with Andy Hoffmann, a erstwhile youth leader of the neo-Nazi NPD organization (now Die Heimat party), according to investigators from Lsa rechtsaussen.
"People from the neo-Nazi movement are now members of the AfD"
This is only 1 case that illustrates the close links between neo-Nazi groups and AfD. Steiner says that supporters of both groups mostly come from the same backgrounds:
There are people from the neo-Nazi movement who are now members of the AFD. We have, for example, parliamentary attachés and AFD communicators that come straight from the neo-Nazi stage.
In Thuringia, the AFD is peculiarly extremist due to the fact that its leader Björn Höcke has crucial links with the neo-Nazi scene, as well as with the alleged fresh Right movement.
This extremist conspiracy group
The movement peculiarly approached the AFD during the demonstration against lockdown and vaccinations.
The presence of more extremist groups, whether neo-Nazi or Reichsbürger, is essential for AfD.
These are movements that supply most protesters at organization rallies; They are highly useful for entering numbers. In Thuringia there is no border between AfD and the remainder of the far right, as they are part of the same network.
Neo-Nazi rappers at AfD meetings
Even if the links between extremist groups and AfD are obvious, this does not necessarily mean that purely neo-Nazi groups have a direct impact on the AfD political line, especially in Thuringia.
There's no request to fool yourself, extremist groups don't necessarily influence the AFD's strategical election. The main influence of Björn Höcke is the "New Right" movement, whose most faithful typical is the French intellectual Alain de Benoist. It's a different current, but close to the neo-Nazi scene.
Björn Höcke repeatedly refers to Italian Marxism theorist Antonio Gramsci. Gramsci speaks of the importance of the cultural sphere in seeking power. It has a strong influence on the French fresh Right and thus on Höcke.
Right Eye: advanced Prussia Museum in Morąg
German rapper Kavalier (right) and Skeptika (second from right) appear in a photograph taken on February 22, 2025. Both are members of the same neo-Nazi music description Neuer Deutscher Standard. © On Instagram
These 2 "artists" are signed with the neo-Nazi description "Neuer Deutscher Standard". All artists on this description are close to the nationalist movement. Kavalier and Skeptika are sometimes straight promoted by ultranationalist groups, as this communicative published on Instagram with links to neo-Nazi group Junge Nationalisten shows.
It's nothing new.
The close relation between neo-Nazis and the far right is nothing new. In any erstwhile elections, AfD formed an electoral commission with Die Heimat, formerly known as the NPD. This was the case during the 2024 local elections in Lauchhammer, which is located in Oberspreewald-Lausitz County, Brandenburg.
active links and photos - at the first link
The Neonazis regularly participated in AfD events in the run-up to the elections in Germany
The Neonazis regularly participated in AfD events in the run-up to the elections in Germany
The German far-right alternate organization for Germany (AfD) obtained 20.8 percent of the vote in the German parliamentary election held on 23 February. Photos show that many neo-Nazis participated in events organized by the organization throughout the full period of her campaign, which confirms the close links of the organization to the most utmost right-wing segment.
Date of issue: 28/02/2025 - 19:33
Duration: 10 min
The utmost right-wing nationalists participated in the AfD events throughout the campaign.
By:Watch Team
While the AfD organization is headed by Alice Weidel, reported an increase in support across the country, the biggest victories in East Germany, where 32 percent of the population voted for it, an unprecedented percentage.
Meanwhile, the organization tightens its bonds with the most utmost right-wing section – neo-Nazis. To a large extent, the symbolism that AfD adopted can be seen in neo-Nazi influences. For example, the slogan "Alice für Deutschland" ("Alice for Germany") was criticized for similarity to the slogan utilized by Nazi stormers. However, these connections became truly clear erstwhile neo-Nazis began to participate in the campaign.
One example is the AfD gathering in Thuringia, which took place on 22 February, erstwhile the troops there celebrated the end of the campaign. AfD members in this national state are known as the most extremist in the party. It was attended by organization leaders Björn Höcke And Stefan Möller.
When we analyzed the photos from the gathering that were posted on the Internet, We noticed a number of signs indicating the presence of neo-Nazis. Some of these photos were found on PixelArchiv's website, which archives photos of people present at utmost right-wing protests in Germany. The photograph taken on 22 February in Erfurt shows a man dressed in black, including a shirt with the inscription "Kampf der Nibelungen".
The man inside is wearing a shirt (marked with a yellow rectangle) which refers to an MMA club powerfully associated with the neo-Nazi movement. © Pixel Archive
The shirt refers to the MMA tournament and the brand of clothes closely related to neo-Naziism. The tournament, which was created in 2013, was banned by the Dresden court in 2019 due to the hazard of violence.
The court found, according to the German paper "Der Spiegel", that the tournament was aimed at "preparing political struggle". The municipality of Ortiz, in which the tournament was to take place, stated that the tournament posed a threat to safety and public order.
Analyzing photos from AfD events, we have besides discovered that many people wear clothing brands specified as Thor Steinar, besides associated with the neo-Nazi movement. This brand is known for its unequivocal declarations and for being the favourite of German neo-Nazis.
This utmost right-wing demonstration, in a photograph talking to police, is wearing an accessory produced by the neo-Nazi clothing brand Thor Steinar. © Pixel Archive
"The Thuringia branch is undoubtedly the most extremist AfD branch"
Often, there are signs of neo-Nazi affiliation at AfD meetings in the region. East Germany has always been a susceptible ground for creating far-right extremist groups.
Valérie Dubslaff, who lectures at the French University of Rennes 2 and specializes in the German far right, says that the full AfD is headed for neo-Naziism:
The most extremist AfD fragments are in East Germany. For example, branches in Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia are under the supervision of the national Office for the Protection of the Constitution [ed.: German intelligence services].
The Thuringia branch is undoubtedly the most extremist AfD branch. Just note that The head of this branch, Björn Höcke, is clearly a neo-Nazi. Example: the courts rejected all complaints of defamation that the branch filed against opponents who claimed to be a fascist.
Campaign under the protection of neo-Nazi activists
During the campaign, neo-Nazistov activists regularly appeared at AfD events. These links were documented by peculiar investigation groups, frequently associated with anti-fascist movements.
In Erfurt "Recherchegruppe Erfurt", a group of investigators associated with the anti-fascist movement, late identified photographs depicting neo-Nazis at AfD stands. In 1 of the photos, the AfD candidate Alexander Claus poses with neo-Nazis alongside 1 of the party's stands.
In the photograph to the left, candidate AfD Alexander Claus (to the left) pose with protestor neo-Nazi (to the right). © X / Recherchegruppe Erfur
The Neonazist who posed with Claus in the photograph referred to the 3rd Reich in social media, as Rechercheportal Jena-SHK, another local investigative group associated with the anti-fascist movement, states.
On his individual Instagram account, this neo-Nazi activist published a photograph on which he twists his fingers into a digit 8, which is simply a mention to 88, the slogan code "Heil Hitler". Realizing clearly the Nazi connotations with this number, he wrote an ironic signature: "88 is how old I am" with laughing smiles.
The Neonazist who posed with Claus in the photograph referred to the 3rd Reich in social media, as Rechercheportal Jena-SHK, another local investigative group associated with the anti-fascist movement, states.
On his individual Instagram account, this neo-Nazi activist published a photograph on which he twists his fingers into a digit 8, which is simply a mention to 88, the slogan code "Heil Hitler". Realizing clearly the Nazi connotations with this number, he wrote an ironic signature: "88 is how old I am" with laughing smiles.
What?
In this photo, a neo-Nazi militant turns his hands into a symbol of the 3rd Reich. © Rechercheportal Jena-SHK
This photograph was later removed by the account owner, but on his Instagram you can find another traces of his neo-Nazi involvement. On the photograph published on January 11, a young man makes a sign "OK". But these are not the letters he pronounces. This motion is widely utilized in white supremacy circles to represent "WPO" for white strength, according to indextreme.fr.
A young man creates with his fingers the symbol "ok" in this photograph published on January 10, 2025. In the circles of white power, the motion represents "WPO" or white strength. © Observers
"They want to full integrate youth with the organization to defend it from possible solution"
The Neonazist in the photograph has close links to Junge Alternative, according to investigators from Rechercheportal Jena-SHK. Felix Steiner, a associate of Mobit, a group from Thuringia that fights the far right, explained that Junge Alternative, who was now disbanded, was the group where the AfD leaders forged:
Junge alternate was an AFD youth organization. These members are sometimes advanced school students or universities. As part of the group, young people play sports, participate in conferences and walk on mountains. This organization is frequently seen as rather radical.
The organization was disbanded by the AFD to reorganise it. They want to full integrate youths into the organization to defend them from any possible solution or repression.
City authoritative AfD associated with neo-Nazis
Some AfD candidates keep long relations with neo-Nazi activists in the region. This is the case with Ronny Kupf, chosen from the AfD arm in Magdeburg. Kumpf appeared in a 2022 photo, posing with Andy Hoffmann, a erstwhile youth leader of the neo-Nazi NPD organization (now Die Heimat party), according to investigators from Lsa rechtsaussen.
Ronny Kumpf, AfD city clerk in Magdeburg (dressed in a button-up shirt) posed alongside Andy Hoffmann (dressed in a white shirt). Kumpf is simply a erstwhile neo-Nazi NPD activist. This photo, published on Instagram in 2022, is not the only photograph in which 2 men pose side by side. © Lsa-rechtsaussen.net
"People from the neo-Nazi movement are now members of the AfD"
This is only 1 case that illustrates the close links between neo-Nazi groups and AfD. Steiner says that supporters of both groups mostly come from the same backgrounds:
There are people from the neo-Nazi movement who are now members of the AFD. We have, for example, parliamentary attachés and AFD communicators that come straight from the neo-Nazi stage.
In Thuringia, the AFD is peculiarly extremist due to the fact that its leader Björn Höcke has crucial links with the neo-Nazi scene, as well as with the alleged fresh Right movement.
This extremist conspiracy group
[From the editorial board: any of its members were arrested for terrorism in 2023 erstwhile they planned to invade the German parliament, the Bundestag and kidnap politicians. associate of this group was besides an AfD politician]
believes that the national Republic of Germany is only a puppet state controlled by the planet elite – this is an anti-Semitic theory.
The movement peculiarly approached the AFD during the demonstration against lockdown and vaccinations.
The presence of more extremist groups, whether neo-Nazi or Reichsbürger, is essential for AfD.
These are movements that supply most protesters at organization rallies; They are highly useful for entering numbers. In Thuringia there is no border between AfD and the remainder of the far right, as they are part of the same network.
Neo-Nazi rappers at AfD meetings
Even if the links between extremist groups and AfD are obvious, this does not necessarily mean that purely neo-Nazi groups have a direct impact on the AfD political line, especially in Thuringia.
There's no request to fool yourself, extremist groups don't necessarily influence the AFD's strategical election. The main influence of Björn Höcke is the "New Right" movement, whose most faithful typical is the French intellectual Alain de Benoist. It's a different current, but close to the neo-Nazi scene.
Björn Höcke repeatedly refers to Italian Marxism theorist Antonio Gramsci. Gramsci speaks of the importance of the cultural sphere in seeking power. It has a strong influence on the French fresh Right and thus on Höcke.
We remember:
Gramsci: "The way to change does not lead through revolutionary upheaval, but requires a long period of creation of cultural hegemony – a common platform of ideas and ideas combining intellectuals with the people."
But that sounds like Herder...
Most The basic phase is sensory and intuitive perception, which through development It can become self-confident and rational.
In another words - this is simply a method of tiny steps, a method of habits utilized by Germany - we remember the term: "common national consciousness"
Right Eye: advanced Prussia Museum in Morąg
Already in his 2018 speech, Höcke called for cultural hegemony, not necessarily based on classical warfare. [...] For this reason, the organization is based on a number of more extremist formations that can enable it to recruit and fight culturally.
Both neo-Nazi and AfD, the cultural scene is an integral part of political action.
Both neo-Nazi and AfD, the cultural scene is an integral part of political action.
For example, these neo-Nazi groups see music as a way to spread their ideas, and neo-Nazi cultural activists frequently appear at AfD events. For example, nationalist rappers Kavalier and Skeptika, who were photographed on 22 February before AfD Stadium in Löbau, Saxony.
German rapper Kavalier (right) and Skeptika (second from right) appear in a photograph taken on February 22, 2025. Both are members of the same neo-Nazi music description Neuer Deutscher Standard. © On Instagram
These 2 "artists" are signed with the neo-Nazi description "Neuer Deutscher Standard". All artists on this description are close to the nationalist movement. Kavalier and Skeptika are sometimes straight promoted by ultranationalist groups, as this communicative published on Instagram with links to neo-Nazi group Junge Nationalisten shows.
In this communicative published on February 24, it is an Instagram account that shares regional traffic news, identifies the rapper Kavalier. © Instagram / Widerstand_im_huegealnde
Raper was besides seen alongside another extremist groups specified as Nationale jugend Goerlitz or the Pforzheim revolte information exchange platform.
Raper was besides seen alongside another extremist groups specified as Nationale jugend Goerlitz or the Pforzheim revolte information exchange platform.
It's nothing new.
The close relation between neo-Nazis and the far right is nothing new. In any erstwhile elections, AfD formed an electoral commission with Die Heimat, formerly known as the NPD. This was the case during the 2024 local elections in Lauchhammer, which is located in Oberspreewald-Lausitz County, Brandenburg.
Members of the Heimat organization (formerly NPD) participated in a protest organized on 21 February 2025. © Telegram / Heimat2023
According to Die Heimat's message, the close-up between the groups was led by AfD head Tino Churpalla, who "ve late declared that there would be no barriers to another parties at urban level". In another words, Churpalla acknowledges that it is possible to make alliances with another parties at urban level, including parties to the right of the party.
For our expert, Dubslaff, these groups have a long history:
AfD is simply a historically NPD rival. These 2 parties competed against each another in any elections, specified as the 2014 Saxony elections and the 2014 Mecklenburg-Vorpommern elections.
However, the NPD was not able to become anything more than a marginal group, so any of its supporters switched to AfD. This change took place during the 2010 PEGIDA movement. It was a platform that allowed different groups to meet. It besides served to radicalize people whose first political experience was PEGIDA. Höcke regularly appeared on phase in this movement.
The investigator says AfD has become more radical:
During this campaign, the organization radicalized and seems to want to go towards Höcke. All AfD leaders who wanted to make the organization more digestible were thrown out. So now the most extremist wing has the top power in the party, as Höcke became the most influential leader there.
observers.france24.com/en/neo-nazis-germany-elections-attended-afd-events
Right Eye: advanced Prussia Museum in Morag [ Did I tell you? (31) ]
According to Die Heimat's message, the close-up between the groups was led by AfD head Tino Churpalla, who "ve late declared that there would be no barriers to another parties at urban level". In another words, Churpalla acknowledges that it is possible to make alliances with another parties at urban level, including parties to the right of the party.
For our expert, Dubslaff, these groups have a long history:
AfD is simply a historically NPD rival. These 2 parties competed against each another in any elections, specified as the 2014 Saxony elections and the 2014 Mecklenburg-Vorpommern elections.
However, the NPD was not able to become anything more than a marginal group, so any of its supporters switched to AfD. This change took place during the 2010 PEGIDA movement. It was a platform that allowed different groups to meet. It besides served to radicalize people whose first political experience was PEGIDA. Höcke regularly appeared on phase in this movement.
The investigator says AfD has become more radical:
During this campaign, the organization radicalized and seems to want to go towards Höcke. All AfD leaders who wanted to make the organization more digestible were thrown out. So now the most extremist wing has the top power in the party, as Höcke became the most influential leader there.
observers.france24.com/en/neo-nazis-germany-elections-attended-afd-events
Right Eye: advanced Prussia Museum in Morag [ Did I tell you? (31) ]
