Bjorn Hocke, top candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, speaks at an election campaign rally of the party for upcoming state elections in Suhl, Germany, on August 13, 2024. (AP)

Germany’s far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) has finalized its manifesto ahead of next month’s crucial election, proposing a range of highly controversial policies on issues such as migration and education as the campaign for Europe’s economic powerhouse officially begins.

Founded in 2013, the AfD has incorporated the far-right concept of “re-migration” into its platform, threatening mass deportations of migrants if it gains power.

The term, often associated with far-right and identitarian movements, drew widespread attention after reports surfaced of its discussion at a secret meeting in November 2023 involving right-wing extremists, neo-Nazis, and AfD officials. The revelation triggered protests across Germany.

Driving the news

Over the weekend, the AfD’s two-day convention in the eastern city of Riesa faced significant disruptions due to mass protests and blockades by more than 10,000 demonstrators, delaying the event’s start.

A strong police presence kept protesters at bay and escorted delegates into the venue. During the clashes, a left-wing politician claimed he was struck in the face and knocked to the ground by police, an incident the authorities said they are investigating based on video footage.

Recent polls indicate the AfD, parts of which German domestic intelligence has classified as far-right extremist, has risen to 22% in voter support, trailing only the CDU/CSU alliance, which dipped by one point to 30%.

AfD disbands Youth wing following extremism designation

Germany's right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has voted to disband its youth organization, the Young Alternative (Junge Alternative), following its designation as a far-right extremist group by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) earlier this year.

Observers argue that the decision aligns with the AfD's efforts to distance itself from extremist associations ahead of the February 2024 parliamentary elections.

The Young Alternative's disbandment comes amid increasing scrutiny of the group's activities and alleged links to far-right extremism. The party announced plans to create a new youth organization under tighter control, marking an attempt to rebrand and appeal to a broader voter base.

Extremism fallout, arrests

In early 2024, the BfV officially classified the Young Alternative's branch in Thuringia as a far-right extremist organization. Similar designations were applied to branches in Brandenburg, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt, further heightening the group's controversial reputation.

While the Young Alternative was described in the AfD's charter as its official youth wing, it operated as an independent entity with control over its own finances, leadership, and program.

The decision to dissolve the organization was influenced by recent arrests tied to far-right extremism. Members of the Saxony branch of the Young Alternative were implicated in a plot by the Saxon Separatists, a far-right group accused of planning terrorist activities and attempting to overthrow the government.

The AfD acted swiftly, expelling the implicated members following their arrests.

Plans for restructured youth organization

While the Young Alternative is being dissolved, the AfD aims to establish a new youth organization aligned more closely with the party's core leadership, Bild reported. The proposed structure would automatically include all party members aged 16 to 35, similar to the youth wing of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

While specific details of the new structure remain unclear, the move appears to signal the party’s intention to reform its youth operations and distance itself from extremist elements.

Impact on AfD's election prospects

Despite the ongoing controversies, the AfD remains Germany's second-strongest political force. According to a recent INSA poll published by Bild, the AfD holds a 22% approval rating, trailing the opposition CDU/CSU bloc at 30%. However, the party continues to face challenges, including public pressure and proposals for a potential ban on its activities due to alleged ties to extremism.

With early parliamentary elections approaching, the party's leadership sees the reorganization of its youth wing as a crucial step toward repairing its image and solidifying voter support.