Franz Schmid, the 23-year-old leader of the AfD youth organization in Bavaria, is planning to purchase a decaying castle in Schwaben and transform it into a “patriotic center.” This move has sparked controversy due to his ties to the far-right.
Franz Schmid, the 23-year-old head of the Junge Alternative (JA), the youth wing of the AfD in Bavaria, has ambitious plans to purchase a dilapidated castle in Schwaben and convert it into a “patriotic center.” The castle, located near the market town of Tussenhausen in the Unterallgäu region, has seen better days, but Schmid envisions a future where it becomes a meeting place for the public. According to a report by Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), Schmid aims to restore the castle and make it a space where people can gather, enjoy coffee or beer, and even live in newly renovated apartments.
Schmid’s motivation for this project is to reduce the perceived barrier between the public and members of the AfD, which he describes as “normal people.” However, Schmid himself is under observation by the German domestic intelligence agency, the Verfassungsschutz, and the JA is classified nationwide as a “confirmed right-wing extremist” group.
Controversy surrounds plans for Schloss Mattsies
The castle in question, Schloss Mattsies, currently stands abandoned, its former glory long faded. Despite its dilapidated state, Schmid sees potential in the property and has shared his vision for its renovation with BR. He hopes to create a space that will serve as a community hub, where people can meet and interact with members of the AfD in a more casual and approachable environment.
However, the project is not without its challenges. In addition to the scrutiny from the Verfassungsschutz, the JA in Bavaria has been linked to other far-right groups, such as the Identitarian Movement and certain student fraternities, according to reports from the Bavarian Office for the Protection of the Constitution. These connections have raised concerns about the true intentions behind the project.
The proposed purchase of Schloss Mattsies is seen as part of a broader strategy by the AfD, which BR describes as a “normalization strategy.” The goal is to present the AfD as a mainstream party, populated by ordinary people who hold socially acceptable positions and are well-integrated into society. This strategy is particularly aimed at young people who have yet to form solid political beliefs and are often influenced by their social networks. In parts of eastern Germany, this approach has already proven effective.
AfD’s response: Castle purchase a publicity stunt?
The rights to Schloss Mattsies currently belong to the State of Bavaria, which is selling the right to acquire the property. Interested buyers had until Friday, August 9, to express their interest, and Schmid has done so. According to BR, opinions within the AfD are divided over Schmid’s plan. While some in the party support his initiative, seeing it as a way to broaden the JA’s appeal, others are more skeptical, dismissing the project as a publicity stunt designed to draw attention and force the Bavarian real estate company to take a stand.
For his part, Schmid is taking a pragmatic approach. If the purchase goes through, he plans to start hosting events at the castle soon. If it doesn’t, he will continue searching for other opportunities. One thing he is clear about, as he told BR, is that there will be no moderation in his efforts.
