Thuringia's domestic intelligence has detected signs of a right-wing extremist stance in the new AfD youth organization Generation Deutschland. President Stephan Kramer emphasized that no moderation or distancing from the previous radical structure is evident. The founding took place over the weekend in Gießen.
Generation Deutschland is the successor to the Junge Alternative, which domestic intelligence classified as confirmed right-wing extremist and which was dissolved as an association in March. This dissolution aimed to prevent a ban by the Interior Ministry. Now, the new group is more closely tied to the AfD as its official youth wing, making a ban legally more difficult and giving the AfD greater control.
At the founding event over the weekend in Gießen, Thuringia's intelligence president Stephan Kramer reviewed posts, statements, and attendees from the right-wing extremist spectrum. "Neither moderation nor distancing or even a change in the new AfD youth organization from the Junge Alternative, already classified by intelligence as a right-wing extremist endeavor," is apparent, Kramer told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND). The selection of leadership and central messages, particularly sympathies for the right-wing extremist Identitarian Movement, leave "no doubt so far about a continuation of radicalization."
The newly elected federal chairman Jean-Pascal Hohm, a Brandenburg state parliament member, is already listed as a right-wing extremist by Brandenburg's intelligence. Particularly controversial was the speech by AfD member Alexander Eichwald, who rolled his 'R's in allusions to National Socialism in Adolf Hitler's tone. AfD leader Tino Chrupalla announced a review. Kramer noted, however, that it is not about a single speech but all contributions: "Völkisch nationalism as well as allusions and parallels to guiding ideas of the Hitler Youth are some key points."
SPD politician Carmen Wegge warned: "It is more radical than before, and as a real party youth, its actions and decisions are directly attributable to the overall party." This could increase the prospects of success in an AfD ban procedure.