AfD Launches Controversial Youth Wing 'Generation Deutschland' Amid Mass Protests and Internal Scrutiny

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has officially launched its new youth organization, 'Generation Deutschland', in Gießen, succeeding the now-dissolved 'Junge Alternative'. The founding event sparked massive demonstrations, with police estimating over 25,000 protesters and organizers claiming upwards of 50,000 participants. The protests included blockades and episodes of violence, which led to injuries on both sides and significant transport disruptions.

At the founding congress, Alexander Eichwald drew sharp criticism for a speech whose tone and rolling "R" were reminiscent of Adolf Hitler, prompting AfD leader Tino Chrupalla to distance the party from Eichwald's remarks and initiate an internal review. Alice Weidel, co-chair of the AfD, condemned the protests as "undemocratic" and accused the media of fostering a hostile atmosphere towards the party. Hessian officials, including Minister President Boris Rhein and Interior Minister Roman Poseck, condemned the violence against police and emphasized the primacy of democratic rights.

Jean-Pascal Hohms is set to lead 'Generation Deutschland'. His classification as a right-wing extremist by the Brandenburg State Office for the Protection of the Constitution raises concerns about the group's ideological direction. The new organization is widely seen as a continuation of the 'Junge Alternative', retaining its networks, personnel, and far-right content. Projections suggest the group could expand significantly, with around 9,000 current AfD members eligible to join, compared to roughly 2,500 in its predecessor.

Security authorities, including the Verfassungsschutz, are monitoring 'Generation Deutschland' closely for signs of extremist activity, emphasizing parallels to formerly banned youth groups that have rebranded yet maintained similar ideological stances. Katja Riedel of WDR Investigativ noted that while the AfD's youth wing might opt for a more polished public presence, provocative messaging—particularly on social media—is expected to persist.

This development signals the AfD's intent to maintain a robust, if controversial, youth structure despite public backlash and internal party challenges, underscoring ongoing tensions in German political discourse around extremism and party image.