The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has formally launched its new youth organization, “Generation Deutschland” (Generation Germany), amidst significant protests in Gießen. The launch marks a concerted effort by the party to exert greater control over its youth wing, addressing past issues that threatened the AfD’s political trajectory.
The new organization’s establishment follows the dissolution of its predecessor, “Junge Alternative” (Young Alternative), earlier this year. The split stemmed from the perceived lack of party oversight – a deficiency that allowed “Junge Alternative” to operate with considerable autonomy. This independence proved detrimental, as the organization was classified as right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence agency (Verfassungsschutz) and faced potential legal challenges leading to a possible ban, risks the AfD sought to avoid.
“Generation Deutschland” is designed to rectify these shortcomings. Membership is largely restricted to existing AfD members, a deliberate move to ensure ideological alignment and bolster party discipline. A rigorous set of rules outlined in the newly ratified youth statute governs the organization’s operations, with provisions for sanctions ranging from reprimands to expulsion from the AfD for rule infractions or perceived inappropriate behavior. The organization is open to all AfD members under the age of 36.
Alice Weidel, the AfD’s co-leader, has framed “Generation Deutschland” as a “talent factory” – a strategic breeding ground for future party leaders and campaigners, particularly in anticipation of upcoming state elections. Critics argue that this formalized structure and stringent control mechanisms demonstrate the AfD’s increasing authoritarian tendencies and a willingness to suppress internal dissent. The protests accompanying the launch underscore ongoing public concerns about the party’s ideologies and its potential impact on Germany’s political landscape. The creation of “Generation Deutschland” represents a calculated political gamble, aiming to channel youth activism within a tightly controlled ideological framework, but the potential for backlash and further scrutiny remains substantial.