The formation of “Generation Deutschland” the new youth wing of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has intensified calls from within the German parliament for the initiation of a formal ban procedure against the entire political party. Following the organization’s founding congress, several lawmakers are arguing that the group’s radical nature and clear alignment with the AfD necessitate a renewed and expedited examination of the party’s constitutional compatibility.
Carmen Wegge, a parliamentarian for the Social Democratic Party (SPD), told the “Rheinische Post” that the new youth organization provides a compelling argument for pursuing a ban. “The formation of this new organization gives us another compelling case. It’s more radical than previously and as a genuine party youth wing, its actions and resolutions are directly attributable to the overall party” she stated.
Green Party parliamentary group spokesperson Irene Mihalic echoed this sentiment, asserting the establishment of the youth wing has reinforced the urgency of considering an AfD ban. “The launch of the AfD youth wing makes the examination of an AfD ban no less urgent, if anything it amplifies it. The far-right, nationalist character was more than evident in many contributions” she commented in reference to the gathering in Gießen.
Calls now center on the establishment of a joint working group comprising the federal and state governments to collect and assess intelligence from the federal and state constitutional protection agencies. Stefan Seidler, a parliamentarian for the Bavarian State Party (SSW), emphasized the importance of a clear signal from the federal government demonstrating a commitment to protecting the constitution, stating: “It’s about protecting our institutions and our liberal democratic basic order.
The new youth wing’s close ties to and perceived continuation of, the previously designated extremist group “Junge Alternative” have been a point of contention among security officials. Stephan Kramer, head of the Thuringian Office for the Protection of the Constitution, expressed skepticism about any shift in direction, noting that a preliminary assessment revealed “neither a moderation nor a distancing or transformation” from its predecessor. He described “Generation Deutschland” as a successor organization attempting to operate under the protection of the constitutionally guaranteed rights afforded to political parties.
The congress itself saw Alexander Eichwald, a speaker whose appearance strongly resembled that of former Nazi Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler, receiving significant applause and securing a place on the board. His use of phrases like “comrades” and a public declaration regarding shared love and loyalty to Germany drew condemnation from AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla, who pledged a review of the incident. However, Kramer underscored that the focus must remain on all speeches and contributions, noting prevalent themes of “volkisch nationalism” and echoes of Nazi youth ideology.
Furthermore, observations of prominent figures within the new organization exhibiting affiliations with the “Identitarian Movement” have deepened concerns about ongoing radicalization. The ongoing scrutiny highlights a growing consensus within parliamentary circles that a full investigation into the AfD’s compatibility with Germany’s constitutional framework is now an urgent necessity.