AfD Proposes Formation of New Youth Organization at Federal Party Congress in Riesa

AfD has established a new youth organization called ‘Patriotic Youth’ following the classification of its prior group, ‘Young Alternative’, as a right-wing extremist endeavor. The party aims to enhance oversight and align youth activities with its principles. In addition to this restructuring, the AfD refined its election program, emphasizing traditional family values and migration policies, while nominating Alice Weidel as its chancellor candidate. The congress faced protests, raising tensions surrounding the party’s activities and reforms.

AfD Establishes New Youth Organization: The Patriotic Youth

The ‘Young Alternative’ has been identified by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a ‘secured right-wing extremist endeavor.’ In response, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has announced plans to launch a new youth organization. During the recent party congress, delegates also approved the party’s election program.

With a significant two-thirds majority, the AfD party congress sanctioned a constitutional amendment to revive its youth organization, now named ‘Patriotic Youth’ as proposed by the board. This strategic move is designed to strengthen the ties between the youth organization and the party, as the previous ‘Young Alternative’ operated with a degree of independence. Unlike before, where membership in the AfD was not mandatory for all, the new organization will require all members to be part of the party, with the exception of board members. Hannes Gnauck, the federal chairman of JA, expressed his support for this transition.

Striving for Greater Control and Influence

During the party congress held in Riesa, the AfD made its objectives clear. The leadership anticipates that the reform will enhance oversight, particularly in instances of misconduct. The newly adopted constitutional amendment mandates that the activities of the youth organization align with the party’s principles and order. The AfD aims for mutual support and promotion of activities between the party and its youth branch.

At present, the JA is under surveillance by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution due to its classification as a ‘secured right-wing extremist endeavor.’ This classification also extends to its state associations in regions like Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia, and Saxony-Anhalt, against which the AfD and JA are currently challenging in expedited legal proceedings. Nationwide, the AfD itself is viewed as a suspected right-wing extremist entity.

In addition to restructuring its youth organization, the AfD has also refined its election program, emphasizing family policy, abortion, and historical narratives. A notable addition to the program is the affirmation that ‘the family, consisting of father, mother, and children, is the cell of society.’ This statement was enhanced from its initial wording to signify a more traditional family structure.

Delegate Krzysztof Walczak remarked on the party’s inclusive stance, highlighting that the guiding image does not dismiss alternative family models, referencing their chancellor candidate, Alice Weidel, who is a mother raising two children with her partner.

The party’s family policy further asserts the current legal framework regarding abortion, advocating that while abortions are illegal, they should not be punishable within the first twelve weeks if counseling is pursued first. During pregnancy counseling, women are encouraged to view ultrasound images to gain an understanding of fetal development.

In a historic move, the AfD has nominated Alice Weidel as its chancellor candidate, marking the first time the party has selected its own candidate for this position.

The party has also expressed a desire to portray the German Empire and Prussia favorably, with a clause added to the election program reflecting this sentiment. The program asserts that the negative ideology directed towards Prussia and the Empire undermines the broader German identity and its historical contributions.

Significant resolutions regarding migration policy, military conscription, and the exit from the Euro and Paris Climate Agreement have also been included in the party’s election program. The AfD advocates for a new European confederation while refraining from explicitly calling for Germany’s exit from the EU.

In a recent speech, Alice Weidel vehemently criticized the CDU, accusing them of imitating AfD policies and labeling the party a ‘fraud.’ As the elections approach, the CDU currently leads the polls, while the AfD has seen a rise in support.

Weidel’s declaration to dismantle wind farms was met with both applause and significant online backlash. Her co-leader, Tino Chrupalla, later clarified that the statement primarily targeted wind farms that require deforestation.

While the atmosphere around the congress was generally calm, it followed a day of protests, where around 10,000 demonstrators clashed with police, leading to a delayed start for the event. The police have since launched an investigation into an incident involving a police dog during the protests, prompting accusations of repression from the demonstration organizers.

This coverage is sourced from tagesschau24, reported on January 12, 2025.

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