Germany’s far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), has decided to replace its controversial youth wing, which has been classified as a right-wing extremist group by intelligence authorities, with a new organization.
At a party conference on Sunday, the AfD leadership presented a motion to strengthen the ties between the party and its youth organization. The proposal received the required two-thirds majority to pass.
The existing youth wing, Junge Alternative (JA), has faced numerous scandals in recent years. In 2023, German intelligence agencies labeled the group as right-wing extremist due to evidence suggesting anti-democratic intentions—a classification that both the JA and the AfD are contesting in court.
Currently, the JA operates with a degree of independence from the AfD, and membership in the youth organization does not require party membership, except for board members. Under the new rules, however, members of the restructured youth group who are over 18 will also need to be AfD members. Party leaders believe this change will provide greater control over the organization, particularly in cases of misconduct.
Analysts suggest that by integrating the youth organization more closely with the party, the AfD aims to shield it from potential bans, as it will no longer function as an independent entity. The AfD executive board has proposed naming the new group “Patriotic Youth,” although the name has yet to be finalized.
