AfD in 2026: Rising Youth Influence and Controversial Economic Stance Shape Party's Future

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) continues to gain significant political traction in 2026, polling close to Germany's Union party, while strategically promoting a robust youth wing and a distinct position on foreign and economic policy.

The youth organization "Generation Deutschland" (GD), affiliated with AfD, has been formally established with highly organized founding meetings, often conducted in close coordination with party leadership. Fabian Jank was recently appointed as the youth association leader in Königs Wusterhausen, marking the formation of the 11th state association. AfD emphasizes providing opportunities for its younger members to advance within the party and its parliamentary offices. Notably, Martin Kohler, who joined the AfD at age 16 influenced by his parents' activism within "Christen in der AfD" and Pegida, is connected to Burschenschaft Gothia Berlin, a group linked to the far-right "Identitäre Bewegung". Kohler previously chaired the "Junge Alternative" before it was classified as far-right and dissolved under pressure from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution due to fears of a ban.

On foreign and economic policy, AfD leader Tino Chrupalla advocates adopting a stance resembling former U.S. President Donald Trump's hardline approach. Chrupalla aims to enhance Germany's economy by improving relations with Russia and ending sanctions against it. He also criticizes the European Union's trade agreements with nations like India and South American Mercosur states. This position contrasts with views from experts like Michael Bröcker, who highlights the importance of free trade agreements such as the EU-India pact for Germany's economic recovery and reducing dependency on the U.S. and Russia. Economist Veronika Grimm further critiques the AfD's economic program as contradictory, emphasizing the need for fewer tariffs, greater free trade, and social reforms to bolster Germany's economy.

The AfD's efforts to build influence through its youth segment and assert a strategic international economic stance underpin its rising electoral position. However, tensions persist between its nationalist rhetoric and broader economic realities, highlighting the challenges the party faces as it navigates Germany's complex political landscape in 2026.