AfD Dissolves Junge Alternative, Establishes New Youth Organization 'Patriotic Youth' Under Tighter Control

Jan 12, 2025, 12:42 PM

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has voted to dissolve its youth organization, Junge Alternative (JA), and establish a new youth organization under tighter party control. The decision was made at the AfD's federal party conference in Riesa, where delegates approved the necessary two-thirds majority for the change in the party's statutes. The move comes after Germany's domestic intelligence service classified the JA as a confirmed right-wing extremist movement. The new organization, tentatively named 'Patriotic Youth,' will require its members to also be members of the AfD, with the exception of those under 16 years old. This restructuring aims to give the AfD more oversight over the activities of its youth wing and protect it from potential bans.