AfD's Youth Wing Generation Deutschland Balances Ambition with Weidel's Leadership

Generation Deutschland (GD), the youth wing of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has strengthened its presence within the party by placing four members on the federal board. At the recent Bundeskongress in Magdeburg, GD showcased its international network, inviting nearly a dozen European speakers to support its agenda. One highlight was a proposal aiming to give the AfD a pro-European refresh, including a commitment to the European idea and a call to reform the Euro. However, this proposal was rejected in favor of a counter-request demanding the Euro's dismantling, reflecting internal party divisions and a clear contrast with leader Alice Weidel’s stance, who favors abandoning the Euro entirely, calling it a "soft currency." Despite GD’s ambition for more independence and alignment with European partners to advance goals like “remigration” and a “Fortress Europe,” they remain closely tied to Weidel's influence. The previous youth arm, Junge Alternative, was dissolved to tighten party control over youth members, and GD appears to continue this trend while expressing loyalty to Weidel’s leadership. Even facing challenges such as board member expulsions over controversial remarks, Generation Deutschland has not broken away, indicating that Weidel retains the ultimate authority over the AfD’s direction as the party prepares for the Sachsen-Anhalt election.