AfD politician sparks controversy with hand gesture in Schwerin

Tommy Thormann, a Member of the Landtag for the AfD in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has drawn criticism following an Instagram video recorded during a constituent meeting in Schwerin. In the footage, Thormann is seen making an 'OK' hand gesture—forming a circle with the thumb and index finger—while suggesting things are 'running well.'

Political opponents have reacted sharply to the gesture. Hennis Herbst, faction leader for Die Linke, identified it as a symbol used in far-right circles to represent white supremacy and called for an official reprimand. Julian Barlen, the SPD faction leader, accused Thormann of deep-seated right-wing extremism.

The AfD has rejected these allegations, maintaining that the gesture was intended as a non-political 'OK' sign. However, observers note that organizations such as the Bavarian Information Office against Extremism (BIGE) and the Lower Saxony Office for the Protection of the Constitution have previously warned that the gesture can be interpreted as a 'White Power' symbol depending on the context.