AfD members linked to banned neo-Nazi group in Saxony-Anhalt

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) faces scrutiny ahead of the September 6 state elections in Saxony-Anhalt. Investigations have revealed that four key members within the party's inner circle were formerly active in the Heimattreue Deutsche Jugend (HDJ), a banned neo-Nazi organization modeled after the Hitler Youth.

These individuals serve as close associates to Ulrich Sigmund, the AfD's candidate for prime minister. Two of the men are among Sigmund's most trusted advisors, while the others were involved in drafting the party's election manifesto.

As the AfD leads in polls, the party is advocating for a shift in Germany's historical remembrance culture. Their platform proposes emphasizing 19th-century history over the Nazi era and promoting national pride, a move described by party architect Hans-Thomas Tilsnider as seeking 'more Bismarck, less Hitler.'