Germany‘s AfD Launches New Youth Wing Amidst Protests and Scrutiny
Germany’s far-right Alternative for germany (AfD) party convened on Saturday to establish “generation Germany,” a new youth wing intended to replace the dissolved “Young Alternative” (Junge Alternative – JA). The launch occurred as thousands protested against the AfD across the country, highlighting the continued controversy surrounding the party’s ideology and rise in popularity.
The AfD has become the largest opposition party in germany, gaining traction as Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition government has struggled to resonate with voters. Mainstream parties continue to refuse collaboration with the AfD.
germany’s domestic intelligence agency previously designated the Young Alternative as a proven right-wing extremist group. While the agency later classified the afd itself as a right-wing extremist group, this designation was suspended following a legal challenge by the party. A Cologne court ruling last year, rejecting an injunction against the Young Alternative designation, cited the group’s central political idea of preserving an ethnically defined German people and excluding the “ethnically foreign.” The court also pointed to agitation against migrants and asylum-seekers, and links to extremist groups like the Identitarian Movement.The Young Alternative was ultimately dissolved, a fact noted by a higher court ending the appeal process in June.
AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla acknowledged the need for reflection, stating, “some benefited from the young, from their ability to mobilize, but didn’t have the well-being and future of this youth sufficiently in sight. We should have taken more care of the young new hopes in our party; it will be different in the future.” He emphasized the importance of young activists “putting themselves at the party’s service.”
Youth wings are a common feature of German political parties, typically exhibiting more radical positions than their parent organizations. It remains uncertain whether Generation Germany will adopt a more moderate stance than its predecessor, though important continuity is anticipated.
Jean-Pascal hohm,a 28-year-old state lawmaker from Brandenburg,was elected unopposed as the leader of Generation Germany.He previously served as the chairman of the Young Alternative in his home state, a designation he rejects as politically motivated, according to German news agency dpa. Kevin Dorow, a delegate from northern Germany, also confirmed prior involvement with the Young Alternative, stating the new organization aims to “continue what the Young Alternative started – being a training ground, attracting young people … and above all bringing them into politics for the good of the party.” He reported not observing any ”drift in a radical direction” within the Young Alternative.
The AfD positions itself as an anti-establishment force, capitalizing on public distrust in politicians. The party entered the national parliament in 2017, fueled by concerns surrounding the influx of migrants in the mid-2010s.While curbing migration remains a core issue, the AfD has demonstrated an ability to leverage discontent over a broader range of concerns.
Leaders expressed confidence in the party’s future, with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel stating, “we will get the majority of mandates; we will provide our first governor,” referencing upcoming regional elections in five of Germany’s 16 states next year, including two in the eastern region where the party enjoys its strongest support.
Reporting contributed by Geir Moulson from Berlin and Martin Meissner from Giessen.
