AfD Youth Wing Maintains Radical Roots as Party Strengthens in Polls

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has seen internal changes with the establishment of its new youth organization, Generation Deutschland, which replaces the dissolved Junge Alternative. According to Sinan Selen, president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), this new youth wing is no less radical than its predecessor, showing continuity in both personnel and ideological content. Unlike Junge Alternative, Generation Deutschland is now formally integrated into the AfD, with membership limited to AfD party members, allowing for party disciplinary actions against misconduct. This change follows the Junge Alternative's dissolution in spring after the AfD distanced itself due to its loose organizational ties and problematic incidents.

Meanwhile, the AfD has consolidated its political standing, leading party support ratings for the eighth consecutive time with 26% according to the latest RTL/ntv Trendbarometer. In contrast, the CDU/CSU has slipped by one percent to 24%, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces low approval ratings of 22%, with 76% dissatisfied. Public concern centers largely on the pension debate, deemed important by 34% of respondents, second only to the Ukraine conflict at 43%. Economic expectations remain cautious despite slight improvements, with the majority anticipating worsening conditions.

The BfV classifies the AfD as a confirmed right-wing extremist movement, though this label is temporarily paused due to an ongoing legal challenge by the party. The AfD’s newly structured youth wing and growing electoral support underscore the party's continued significance in Germany's political landscape.