AfD Launches New Youth Wing 'Generation Deutschland' Amidst Massive Protests in Giessen

Founding of 'Generation Deutschland'

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party officially launched its new youth organization, 'Generation Deutschland' (GD), on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Giessen, Germany. The founding convention took place at the Hessenhallen convention center, where over 800 participants adopted the organization's statutes.

This new youth wing replaces the Junge Alternative (JA), which dissolved on March 31, 2025. The JA had been classified as a 'proven right-wing extremist' group by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the Verfassungsschutz. The AfD's decision to create 'Generation Deutschland' aims to establish closer oversight and control over its youth activities, with membership now requiring direct affiliation with the main party.

Leadership and Objectives

Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old state legislator from Brandenburg, was elected as the first leader of 'Generation Deutschland', securing 90.4% of the votes. Hohm is known for his association with the AfD's hard-right faction and has been classified as extremist by Brandenburg's intelligence service. In his inaugural speech, Hohm pledged to 'fight for a real change in migration policy so that Germany remains the homeland of Germans.'

The AfD views 'Generation Deutschland' as a 'cadre forge' for future party leaders, particularly in anticipation of upcoming regional elections where the party hopes to achieve significant gains. The new organization is open to AfD members under the age of 36.

Widespread Protests and Clashes

The founding event was met with extensive counter-protests across Giessen. Police estimated that over 25,000 demonstrators gathered, with some reports indicating expectations of up to 50,000 participants. Protesters actively sought to block access routes to the convention center, including motorways and federal roads, causing the AfD's meeting to start more than two hours late.

The demonstrations, while largely peaceful, saw instances of confrontation. Protesters threw stones and bottles at police, who responded with pepper spray and water cannons to clear blockades. At least ten police officers sustained minor injuries, and one AfD lawmaker was reportedly attacked. Demonstrators carried banners with slogans such as 'Stop AfD' and 'Death to Nazis,' chanting 'Everyone together against fascism.'

Party Reaction and Political Context

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel condemned the protests as 'deeply anti-democratic' and criticized the 'violence' from demonstrators. Co-leader Tino Chrupalla acknowledged 'past mistakes' of the former youth organization, Junge Alternative.

The AfD currently holds a strong position in German politics, having finished second in the national election in February with over 20% of the vote, making it the country's largest opposition party. The party continues to perform well in polls, particularly in eastern Germany, and is looking to capitalize on this momentum in upcoming state elections.