Völkische Kreisen on the trail: the rise of Merlin Ulbrich

Völkische Kreisen on the trail: the rise of Merlin Ulbrich

in Cologne and beyond the activist work of Merlin Ulbrich from Engerda, Thuringia, is currently causing a stir. With a history that is deeply anchored into the ethnic movement, Ulbrich has established itself as an integral part of the identity movement. As reported Indymedia , the young man has been active at the Chemnitz Identity Movement since October 2023 between Erfurt and Chemnitz. The direct connection to other actors of the scene, such as Tony Kraft and Luis Rupprecht, makes him an important mouthpiece within this community that recruit many members from Völkische Families.

This ethnic movement can be traced back to the late 19th century and is characterized by a mixture of racism, nationalism and the principle of "blood and soil", which propagates the idea of organically grown communities. According to Wikipedia , the movement was strongly influenced by the German Romanticism and the Historical Heritage of the Holy Roman Empire. Their aim was to bring about a national rebirth that was to be linked to the traditions of the old Germans.

activities and commitment

ULBRICH not only is active at regional events, but also participates in demonstrations and rallies of the Identity Movement, which represent a kind of mandatory program for him. For example, on April 29, 2023 and on July 20, 2024, he was demonstrably involved in various events.

In addition, he regularly visits IB regulars' tables in Chemnitz and actively participates in hikes of the local group there. It is particularly remarkable to participate in the identity "Sportag Day" in Stuttgart, which took place on April 28, 2024. In the scene, Ulbrich is known for his photographic skills that he presents via his Instagram profile @analog_merlin. In addition, he uses the account @erfurter_bube for political propaganda on behalf of the IB-related group "Contraculture Erfurt".

background and ideology

The ethnic ideology, which Ulbrich and his colleagues represent, is strongly shaped by exclusivity. This movement is anchored in the presentation of an "original nation" and was significantly involved in the design of all of Germany in the past. In the Third Reich, participants of this ideology, such as Jews and other minorities, were bordered rigorously. To date, this ethnonialist thinking has not lost its importance, which also proves the 32 Neo-People's Organizations in the United States, which are now classified as hate groups. The largest among them, the ASATRU Folk Assembly, represents a similarly like Ulbrich’s activities.

The entanglement of Ulbrich in this ideology and its active role in the Identitarian movement throw a shadow on social developments in Germany and Europe. It becomes clear that there are still currents that want to redefine national and cultural identities today, often excluded from an open society. Anyone who deals with these topics will find current examples in Ulbrich and his movement that encourage thought.