AfD Member Faces Loss of Anti-Semitism Medal After NGO Pressure
A German bookseller honored for combating antisemitism faces calls to revoke his award after activists discovered he is a member of the Alternative for Germany party.
Michael Genniges, a 75-year-old resident of Scheßlitz, received the silver medal of honor from the Upper Franconia district council in May. The award recognized his contributions to cultural life in the region, his promotion of social dialogue, and specifically his work combating antisemitism as former chairman of the German-Israeli Society in Bamberg. Now that recognition is under review, according to Nius.
The campaign to strip Genniges of his honor is being driven largely by activist organizations. The Alliance Against Right-Wing Extremism in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region has formally demanded that the Upper Franconia district council rescind the award.
Stephan Doll, chairman of the alliance, argued that honoring an active AfD official confers not only recognition for cultural or volunteer work, but also provides social acceptance and political legitimacy for the AfD itself.
The alliance’s own website lists its financial backers as the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, the Middle Franconia district, and the city of Nuremberg through its Human Rights Office and Equal Opportunities Office.
Award Given Despite Known Party Membership
Genniges served as AfD faction leader in the Bamberg district council through 2026. His party affiliation was no secret when the district council voted to honor him. A majority supported the recognition at the time, including district council president Henry Schramm of the Christian Social Union, who personally presented Genniges with the medal at a ceremony at Thurnau Castle.
The original citation praised Genniges for creating over decades a space for literature, exchange, and encounter. Through readings and cultural events, he enriched the literary life of the region. His commitment to understanding, dialogue, and opposition to antisemitism was specifically highlighted.
CSU Leadership Now Backpedals Under Pressure
After the public campaign launched by the activist alliance, the CSU has reversed course. Schramm himself now states that the honor statutes of the Upper Franconia district fundamentally allow for the possibility of revoking an award already granted. He expressed regret that the matter has triggered such intense public debate, said he takes the criticism seriously, and is engaging in self-critical reflection about his own voting behavior.
The district council is scheduled to deliberate on the case in July.
With information from Nius
