Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt as AfD Launches New Youth Organization in Giessen
11/29/2025, 8:06:51 PM
Overview of the Event
On November 29, 2025, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party convened in Giessen to establish its new youth organization, expected to be named Generation Germany. This event was marked by significant protests, with estimates of up to 50,000 demonstrators opposing the AfD's activities. The protests led to clashes with police, resulting in the use of pepper spray and water cannons to manage the crowds.
Background & Context
The new youth organization is a successor to the Young Alternative, which was disbanded in March 2025 after being classified as a right-wing extremist group by Germany's domestic intelligence agency. The AfD aims to exert closer control over this new group, which is intended to be more integrated into the party's structure. The AfD has gained prominence as Germany's largest opposition party, securing over 20% of the vote in the February national elections.
Key Figures & Groups
The founding congress was attended by approximately 1,000 AfD delegates, including party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla. Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old state lawmaker with ties to various far-right groups, was elected as the leader of the new youth organization. The protests were organized by a coalition of anti-fascist groups, trade unions, and political parties, including Die Linke, with the "Resist" alliance leading the charge.
Police Response and Protest Dynamics
The police deployed up to 6,000 officers to manage the protests, which included blockades that delayed the congress by over two hours. Demonstrators attempted to obstruct access to the convention center, leading to confrontations where stones were thrown at police. The regional interior minister, Roman Poseck, condemned the violence and emphasized the need for peaceful protests.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents of the AfD, including political observers and activists, expressed concerns that the new youth wing would mirror or exceed the radicalism of its predecessor. Critics argue that the AfD's attempts to present a more unified front may not effectively distance the party from extremist ideologies. Fabian Virchow from the University of Düsseldorf noted that the leadership of the new youth organization comes from a far-right milieu, raising alarms about its potential direction.
Official Statements & Responses
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, criticized the protests as undemocratic, stating, “What is being done out there – dear left-wingers, dear extremists, you need to look at yourselves – is something that is deeply undemocratic.” Tino Chrupalla acknowledged past mistakes in managing the youth wing and emphasized the need for the new organization to serve the party's interests.
What's Next
The new youth organization is set to play a crucial role in the AfD's strategy as it prepares for upcoming regional elections in five of Germany's 16 states. The party aims to capitalize on its growing influence, particularly in eastern regions where it has historically performed well.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the number of protesters, with police estimating between 25,000 and 30,000, while organizers claim up to 50,000 participated. Additionally, the extent of violence and injuries during the protests remains unclear, with varying accounts from different sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Suraj Mailitafi, spokesman for the Resist alliance, said: "We will not allow the next generation of violent fascists to organise in the Hessenhallen.” — Suraj Mailitafi, Spokesman for the Resist alliance
- “Violence is never a legitimate means in democracy,” — Roman Poseck, Hessian Interior Minister
- “What is being done out there – dear left-wingers, dear extremists, you need to look at yourselves – is something that is deeply undemocratic,” — Alice Weidel, Co-leader of AfD
- “We should have taken more care of the young new hopes in our party; it will be different in the future.” — Tino Chrupalla, Co-leader of AfD
