The German government sees no ideological shift in the new AfD youth organization, “Generation Deutschland.” According to statements from the Interior Ministry, the organization has displayed extremist connections and statements hostile to the constitution.
Continued Ideological Alignment
The Interior Ministry finds no substantive or personnel change from the previous “Junge Alternative” (JA) youth organization. This assessment stems from a response to a request from Green Party Bundestag member Marlene Schönberger, as reported by the “Spiegel.” The response indicates a “high personnel continuity” with the dissolved JA, particularly among federal executive officials. Ideologically, a clear continuation is also apparent.
Evidence cited by the Interior Ministry, as reported by “Spiegel,” includes speeches given at the founding meeting of the new youth organization in November in Gießen. These speeches contained statements “that can be regarded as concrete indications of efforts against the free democratic basic order.” Specifically, the statements revealed an “ethnically-based understanding of the nation” and provided grounds for demands for legal discrimination against German citizens with a migration background.
Furthermore, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is aware of connections between members of the new AfD youth organization and other extremist groups. Contacts with “constitutionally relevant online activists” are also being monitored. Several members of the federal executive board of “Generation Deutschland” are or were employed by AfD members of parliament.
Calls for Action
Green Party member Schönberger is now calling for consequences. “Finally, the federal government recognizes what civil society has long known,” she told “Spiegel.” She described the re-foundation as an “extreme right-wing deception.” Schönberger stated that the federal and state governments must now jointly react to the “open radicalization process of the AfD” – from measures in weapons and civil service law to a possible AfD ban.
The AfD restructured its youth organization last year, stating internally that the goal was to exert tighter control over its youth wing and better protect it from state measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Interior Ministry find regarding personnel changes?
The Interior Ministry found a “high personnel continuity” between “Generation Deutschland” and the previously dissolved “Junge Alternative,” particularly among members of the federal executive board.
What kind of statements were made at the founding meeting in Gießen?
Statements were made that indicated “efforts against the free democratic basic order,” specifically revealing an “ethnically-based understanding of the nation” and grounds for legal discrimination against German citizens with a migration background.
What is the relationship between “Generation Deutschland” and the AfD?
According to its statutes, “Generation Deutschland” is a legally dependent part of the AfD, meaning the AfD is accountable for the behavior and direction of its youth organization.
Given these findings, what steps might be taken by German authorities to address the concerns raised about the AfD’s youth wing remain to be seen.