AfD disbands Youth wing following extremism designation
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While the Young Alternative was described in the AfD's charter as its official youth wing, it operated as an independent entity with control over its own finances, leadership, and program.
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The image shows a screen displaying votes of AfD party members. (@schwarzer_soren)
Germany's right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has voted to disband its youth organization, the Young Alternative (Junge Alternative), following its designation as a far-right extremist group by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) earlier this year.
Observers argue that the decision aligns with the AfD's efforts to distance itself from extremist associations ahead of the February 2024 parliamentary elections.
The Young Alternative's disbandment comes amid increasing scrutiny of the group's activities and alleged links to far-right extremism. The party announced plans to create a new youth organization under tighter control, marking an attempt to rebrand and appeal to a broader voter base.
Die Junge Alternative ist tot. Die zukünftige Parteijugend ist nichts weiter als ein Wahlkampfverein. Jedem der dazu beigetragen hat, soll die Hand verdorren. Die Jugend ist rechts, nicht liberal und erst recht nicht konservativ. Sie wird einen neuen Weg finden. #jungealternative pic.twitter.com/1Dwh5CZHMz
— Sören Schwarzer (@schwarzer_soren) January 12, 2025
Extremism Fallout and Arrests
In early 2024, the BfV officially classified the Young Alternative's branch in Thuringia as a far-right extremist organization. Similar designations were applied to branches in Brandenburg, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt, further heightening the group's controversial reputation.
While the Young Alternative was described in the AfD's charter as its official youth wing, it operated as an independent entity with control over its own finances, leadership, and program.
The decision to dissolve the organization was influenced by recent arrests tied to far-right extremism. Members of the Saxony branch of the Young Alternative were implicated in a plot by the Saxon Separatists, a far-right group accused of planning terrorist activities and attempting to overthrow the government.
The AfD acted swiftly, expelling the implicated members following their arrests.
Read more: Germany mulls banning right wing party AfD
Plans for a Restructured Youth Organization
While the Young Alternative is being dissolved, the AfD aims to establish a new youth organization aligned more closely with the party's core leadership, Bild reports. The proposed structure would automatically include all party members aged 16 to 35, similar to the youth wing of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
While specific details of the new structure remain unclear, the move appears to signal the party’s intention to reform its youth operations and distance itself from extremist elements.
Impact on AfD's Election Prospects
Despite the ongoing controversies, the AfD remains Germany's second-strongest political force. According to a recent INSA poll published by Bild, the AfD holds a 22% approval rating, trailing the opposition CDU/CSU bloc at 30%. However, the party continues to face challenges, including public pressure and proposals for a potential ban on its activities due to alleged ties to extremism.
With early parliamentary elections approaching, the party's leadership sees the reorganization of its youth wing as a crucial step toward repairing its image and solidifying voter support.
