The AfD youth wing protest in Giessen delayed the launch of Generation Deutschland by more than two hours as 25,000 demonstrators opposed the event.
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| Protesters clash with police outside the Messe trade fair hall before the founding congress of the new youth wing of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party, on November 29, 2025, in Giessen, Germany. Photo by Hesham Elsherif/Getty Images |
The AfD youth wing protest that swept through the German town of Giessen on Saturday forced lengthy delays and underscored the rising public backlash against the party’s growing influence. The AfD youth wing protest unfolded as the far-right Alternative for Germany attempted to formally launch its new youth organisation, Generation Deutschland, a successor to the disbanded Junge Alternative. With at least 25,000 demonstrators marching, chanting, and blocking access points, the event became a focal point for broader concerns about the party’s direction, extremist ties, and the implications for German politics as elections approach.
The gathering in Giessen was intended to mark a symbolic turning point for the AfD as it sought to rebrand its youth activities. Instead, the sheer scale of the AfD youth wing protest forced the party to begin its meeting two hours later than planned. Police reported intense congestion, disruptions, and isolated clashes as thousands of protesters converged near the venue. Demonstrators carried banners, beat drums, and used whistles in an effort to drown out the event taking place inside.
The meeting was originally scheduled for 10:00 am local time, but it was not until after noon that attendees were able to begin their program. Even then, the noise from outside reverberated through the hall. The AfD leadership condemned the disruptions, with co-leader Alice Weidel accusing protesters of creating chaos and seeking to silence democratic expression. She praised those inside the hall as representatives of what she called the “new generations of the party,” presenting the launch of Generation Deutschland as a vital step toward strengthening the party’s base.
The AfD has been riding a wave of momentum since Germany’s general election in February, during which the party secured more than 20 percent of the vote and cemented itself as the main opposition force. The leadership hopes to build on that performance as it prepares for a series of state elections next year, particularly in eastern German regions where its support is strongest. Party officials framed the formation of Generation Deutschland as part of a long-term strategy to nurture younger cadres and reinforce ideological continuity.
But the AfD youth wing protest in Giessen highlighted the challenges the party faces in presenting itself as a legitimate political force. Many demonstrators argued that the party’s rhetoric and policies echo dangerous historical patterns, especially given the extremist activities linked to its former youth wing.
Generation Deutschland replaces the Junge Alternative, which German intelligence services had classified as an extremist organisation. Anticipating a potential ban, the AfD formally disbanded the JA earlier this year. The previous youth wing had been implicated in numerous controversies, including racist slogans, extremist networking, and documented meetings with neo-Nazi groups. These associations made it increasingly difficult for the AfD leadership to distance itself from accusations of harboring radical elements.
In a rare admission during his speech, AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla conceded that the party had made mistakes in its youth activities. He suggested that some activists had caused more harm than good by acting recklessly, preventing the organisation from gaining broader acceptance. His remarks appeared aimed at reassuring members that Generation Deutschland would adopt a more disciplined structure.
Despite leadership reassurances, Generation Deutschland’s first elected chairman signaled a continuation of ideological hardlining rather than a departure from it. Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old AfD lawmaker from eastern Germany, was chosen overwhelmingly by attendees. The hall erupted in applause, with supporters chanting his name and rising to their feet in a display of loyalty.
Hohm has long-standing connections to far-right and ethno-nationalist groups, raising questions about whether the new youth organisation will truly differ from its predecessor. In his acceptance speech, he promised to fight for sweeping changes in migration policy, declaring that Germany must remain a homeland primarily for Germans. His speech reinforced concerns that the new movement could intensify, rather than moderate, the party’s ideological trajectory.
One attendee, local AfD politician and student Christopher Tamm, told reporters he was delighted with the outcome. He insisted that Hohm possessed all the skills necessary to guide the organisation, portraying the election as a fresh start for young party members. Inside the hall, stalls offered merchandise ranging from coffee mugs to T-shirts bearing the images of senior AfD leaders, reflecting the party’s growing emphasis on branding and identity.
Outside, the AfD youth wing protest remained tense throughout the day. Police reported several minor injuries among officers as demonstrators attempted to block entry points and slow the arrival of attendees. Although most of the protest was peaceful, the heavy turnout created logistical challenges. Many demonstrators waved rainbow flags, held anti-AfD slogans, and rallied under messages condemning extremism.
For some participants, the protest carried personal and historical significance. Carsten Kachelmus, a 52-year-old program manager, said his motivation for being present stemmed from Germany’s past. He warned that the creation of Generation Deutschland evoked dangerous parallels, suggesting that Germans had a duty to prevent anything resembling the Hitler Youth from re-emerging. He said solidarity and resistance remained essential to protecting democracy.
Far-right classification deepens political divisions
The AfD is currently fighting a legal battle against the German domestic intelligence service, which in May designated the entire party as a right-wing extremist threat. The classification has intensified calls from some political leaders and activists to consider banning the party altogether. The AfD denies being extremist and argues that the designation is politically motivated, framing it as an attempt to silence legitimate opposition.
Political analysts expect Generation Deutschland to operate with an ideological outlook similar to, or even more radical than, the Junge Alternative. Fabian Virchow, a researcher at the University of Duesseldorf, argued that many leading figures in the new youth organisation originate from a far-right milieu composed of neo-Nazis, Identitarian activists, nationalist fraternities, and other extremist networks. His assessment reinforced concerns that the new organisation would solidify, rather than soften, the AfD’s radical wing.
One sign of change is that Generation Deutschland will not function as an independent registered association like its predecessor. Instead, the new youth wing will fall more directly under the AfD’s organisational structure and disciplinary authority. Party leaders claim this will help maintain better oversight and prevent the kind of controversies that plagued the Junge Alternative.
However, political observers warn that this arrangement brings its own risk. By integrating the youth wing more closely into the party, the AfD may lose the ability to distance itself from extremist statements or actions that the new organisation might adopt. This tighter connection could deepen the perception that the party is aligned with radical ideologies.
The AfD youth wing protest in Giessen served as a vivid display of the political polarization shaping Germany’s current landscape. As the AfD continues its ascent in national politics, the clash between its supporters and detractors is becoming increasingly visible. With elections approaching and public opinion deeply divided, Generation Deutschland’s launch marks a critical moment for the party’s future and for Germany’s broader democratic debate.
