Hans-Jörg Jenewein: Scandal surrounding Thuringia's new AfD press spokesman!

Hans-Jörg Jenewein: Scandal surrounding Thuringia's new AfD press spokesman!

October 30, 2025 will bring a breath of fresh air into Thuringia's political landscape. Hans-Jörg Jenewein has been appointed new press spokesman for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Thuringia. The former politician of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), where he was active from 2010 to 2019, is taking on a key role within the AfD. Jenewein was a member of both the National Council and the Federal Council in Austria, where, among other things, he served on the parliamentary committee of inquiry into political influence at the Austrian Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BVT).

But Jenewein's rise does not come without controversy. There are currently proceedings against him on charges of obtaining secret documents. During a search of his apartment, the investigators not only found brass knuckles and ammunition parts, but also incriminating cell phone photos with a Nazi connection. A court sentenced him to one year of conditional imprisonment, but the verdict is not yet final. The Supreme Court of Austria (OGH) will decide on a possible appeal in mid-November.

Political entanglements and reactions

Jenewein's appointment met with strong criticism. Niklas Waßmann, general secretary of the CDU state association in Thuringia, expressed concern about the decision. Björn Höcke, the Thuringian AfD leader, is also under fire because he is accused of putting together a team of people who have problems with the rule of law. Höcke also has a criminal record for using a banned slogan.

The situation is exacerbated by the convictions of other members of the Thuringian AfD, such as Wiebke Muhsal and Torsten Czuppon, who have also already been sentenced to fines. Rolf Plötner, co-chair of the Left, sees Jenewein's appointment as a further strengthening of right-wing extremist propaganda in Thuringia and a dangerous development in political rhetoric.

The story of Hans

A curious detail that should not be ignored is the origin of the name “Hans”, which has been increasingly in focus again in recent years. Hans has its roots in the Hebrew language and is considered a shortened form of John. The name is particularly common in the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia. Interestingly, the name reached a peak in popularity in 1909.

There are also references to this name in the world of celebrities, including actors such as Eric Braeden and Dolph Lundgren as well as the fairytale uncle Hans Christian Andersen. Name research shows that “Hans” is chosen less and less these days, while modern variants such as “John” find their place at the top of baby name rankings.

The developments surrounding Jenewein and the AfD in Thuringia are being closely monitored. Many are hoping for a change in political course, while others are concerned about the future. It remains to be seen how the legal disputes surrounding Jenewein and his background will affect Thuringian politics.

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