Generation Germany

In January 2025, at its party conference in Riesa, the AfD dissolved its youth organization, the Young Alternative for Germany (JA). The organization had been classified as a confirmed right-wing extremist group by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution since 2023. At the same time, the establishment of a new youth wing, more closely integrated with the party, was proposed; at that time, it was still called the "Patriotic Youth." According to the AfD leadership, the reform was intended to provide greater enforcement powers, for example, in cases of misconduct.^[4][5] In February, the JA decided to dissolve itself on March 31, citing, among other things, a potentially imminent ban on the association as a reason.^[6]

The new youth organization of the AfD was founded on November 29, 2025, in Gießen at the Hessenhallen.^[7][8] Approximately 2,000 founding members are expected.^[9] The name and logo still need to be agreed upon at the founding meeting, but according to party circles, the name Generation Germany is considered a done deal.^[10] Twenty-six organizations and individuals were officially invited and are therefore permitted to set up an information booth. These include the magazine Sezession and the Jungeuropa Verlag, both of which are classified as far right by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.^[11]

The JA was an independent association separate from the parent party, whereas Generation Germany is to be directly subordinated to the party as a "legally dependent sub-organization".^[6] According to its current statutes, the purpose of Generation Germany is defined as the dissemination of the AfD party program and ideology. Organizational or "other loyalty ties" to other organizations are to be prohibited.^[10] According to political scientist Reiner Becker, the AfD leadership is attempting to gain more control over its youth organization through the new structure. Becker believes this is intended to prevent scandals before the 2026 elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the AfD hopes to achieve victories.^[12]

Counter-protests are expected against the planned new organization. Projections for the number of participants in the demonstrations range from 10,000 to over 50,000 people.^[13][14][15] The protests are being called for by, among others, the "Widersetzen" alliance, which had already organized blockades and demonstrations at the AfD party conferences in Riesa and Essen.^[16][17][18] An alliance of parties ranging from Die Linke to the FDP, representatives of religious communities and social organizations also called for demonstrations; in addition, there will be a pro democracy gathering in front of the town hall.^[19] According to the spokeswoman for Widersetzen, bus arrivals from all over Germany and mass blockades of the access roads to the conference venue are planned.^[17][20]