German Bundestag to investigate right-wing extremist incidents at youth simulation

The German Bundestag is launching an internal investigation following allegations of right-wing extremist incidents during a youth parliamentary simulation. The Council of Elders, a body comprising the Bundestag president, vice-presidents, and other lawmakers, announced that a commission will analyze the events of "Youth in Parliament" to draw "appropriate conclusions."

According to the Bundestag administration, one young participant was excluded from the simulation for making a "white power" gesture, a symbol associated with right-wing extremist and racist circles. The simulation, which involved approximately 250 youths nominated by Bundestag members, aimed to replicate parliamentary processes, with participants role-playing fictional parties and debating policies.

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appropriate conclusions

Political parties within the Bundestag have reacted to the alleged incidents. SPD and Green party officials reported "massive incidents" and "racist outbursts" by nominated youths, urging a response from the Bundestag administration. A spokesperson for the Union faction described the participant's exclusion as "very understandable."

Conversely, the AfD parliamentary group criticized the Bundestag administration, claiming that several of their nominated participants experienced "vile insults and abuse, systematic exclusion, and bullying" without intervention from organizers. The AfD also called for a thorough investigation into the events. The three-day simulation took place between June 6 and 9, with the goal of providing a realistic experience of parliamentary decision-making for participants aged 17 to 20.

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white power