The formation of “Generation Deutschland” a newly established youth organization affiliated with the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has drawn sharp criticism and demands for increased scrutiny from within the German parliament. Irene Mihalic, parliamentary group secretary for the Green Party, denounced the move as a clear indication that the AfD is unwilling to distance itself from its extremist roots.
“The creation of this new AfD youth organization definitively demonstrates a lack of any genuine effort to conceal its radical tendencies” Mihalic stated to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. She characterized “Generation Deutschland” as a “breeding ground for cadres” composed of individuals, many of whom are already under observation by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz). “This wolf in sheep’s clothing must now be consistently brought into the focus of the security services” she emphasized.
Mihalic’s remarks underscore a growing concern within mainstream German politics regarding the AfD’s continued normalization and potential for further radicalization. She urged the Verfassungsschutz to rigorously examine the organization’s structure and activities, demanding a swift and thorough assessment.
Beyond mere investigation, Mihalic pressed for decisive political action. She argued that while many citizens actively combat right-wing extremism and support democratic cohesion through civil society organizations, policymakers must not lag behind. “We must act now” she insisted, calling for the Interior Ministers’ Conference to urgently establish a joint federal-state working group to evaluate the possibility of an AfD ban.
Simultaneously, Mihalic stressed the need to bolster the strength of democratic civil society as a preventative measure. “Right-wing youth organizations must not continue to grow” she warned, signaling a hardening stance on the party and its affiliated groups within the German political landscape.