The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) is reportedly scrutinizing the newly formed youth organization of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), “Generation Deutschland” potentially laying the groundwork for increased surveillance of the party’s youth wing. According to a report in Bild, the BfV is actively assessing whether the establishment of this new group strengthens the case for its formal observation as a suspected extremist entity.
The move signals a heightened level of concern regarding the AfD’s influence and its efforts to cultivate support among younger demographics. “Generation Deutschland” was officially launched as a “legally dependent subordinate organization” of the AfD during a founding congress in Gießen last weekend. This structural integration is a key factor in the BfV’s current deliberations.
The BfV’s assessment incorporates intelligence gathered during the congress itself, further indicating a specific focus on the organization’s aims and the individuals involved. This comes against a backdrop of increasing legal and political pressure on the AfD. The BfV previously classified the entire AfD party as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization in May, a designation that the party is challenging in court. A temporary suspension of this classification remains in place pending a judicial decision.
Critics argue that the creation of “Generation Deutschland” represents a deliberate attempt to circumvent existing scrutiny and rebrand the party’s image. By establishing a structurally linked youth organization, the AfD may be attempting to distance itself from direct association with extremist elements whilst maintaining ideological and operational control.
The ongoing assessment by the BfV will be pivotal in determining the scope of future monitoring and potential restrictions on the AfD’s activities, particularly concerning its youth outreach programs and recruitment strategies. The agency’s findings could significantly impact the party’s political trajectory and its ability to garner support among younger voters.
