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), asserting a near-certainty that it will mirror the extremist tendencies of its predecessors and the party itself. In statements provided to the Bayern Media Group newspapers, Dobrindt bluntly declared, “My personal assessment: the AfD is an extremist party”. He demonstrated little hope for a divergence in ideology, stating his belief that the youth wing’s reform would be “virtually zero.
The launch of the new organization in Gießen was met with a significant police presence, a clear indication of the government’s concerns. Despite this visible security response, Dobrindt cautioned against drawing parallels to the tumultuous 1930s, acknowledging a fundamental shift in the nature of contemporary polarization. He emphasized the digital landscape as the primary driver of this polarization, highlighting its intensified reach and capacity to rapidly evoke and amplify emotional responses – a far more potent force than street-level agitation.
Beyond the specific concerns surrounding the AfD’s youth wing, Dobrindt issued a stark warning to German businesses contemplating closer ties with the increasingly influential party. He underscored the detrimental impact of heightened polarization on a nation’s long-term stability and international competitiveness, arguing that embracing radical ideologies invariably leads to isolation rather than economic growth. This warning comes in the wake of the recent decision by the “Family Businesses” association to dismantle the firewall previously maintained between itself and the AfD, a move now facing increased scrutiny. Dobrindt’s comments represent a heightened level of official disapproval and a plea for corporate responsibility in confronting the AfD’s growing influence.