The German far-right party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) has decided to make changes to its youth organization after the existing one was classified as right-wing extremist, BTA reports.
At the party congress today, the AfD leadership proposed the creation of a new youth organization that would be more closely linked to the party itself. The proposal was adopted by a two-thirds majority.
The current organization, “Young Alternative“ (MA), has been embroiled in numerous scandals in recent years and in 2023. was designated by German intelligence services as an organization with anti-democratic aspirations, which led to lawsuits over the revelations.
The MA had relative independence from the main party and its members were not part of the AfD's governing structures.
With the voted reform, the new youth organization will include members who turn 18 and are eligible to become part of the AfD.
The change is expected to allow the party to exercise greater control over the structure and prevent potential bans related to its independence.
Rumors that the new group could be called "Patriotic Youth" have not yet been officially confirmed.
The AfD aims to create a stronger internal structure and not allow the youth organization to act independently, which could put it at risk of being banned.
The revelations that emerged in 2023 related to anti-democratic sentiments in “Young Alternative“ and the consequences of being classified as right-wing extremist.
The proposed name "Patriotic Youth" as a possible new beginning, but also unclear steps to strengthen the organization's identity.