AfD Launches Controversial Youth Wing 'Generation Deutschland' Amid Massive Protests

On November 30, 2025, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) inaugurated its new youth organization, 'Generation Deutschland', in Gießen despite significant opposition and protests. The event, held at the Gießen fairgrounds, was delayed by over two hours due to activist blockades and extensive police intervention. Protesters, motivated by concerns over far-right extremism linked to the AfD's former youth wing, gathered in large numbers, with police estimating around 25,000 counter-demonstrators and organizers claiming figures as high as 50,000 in a city of about 90,000 residents.

The protests involved 16 blockade points and saw heavy police deployment from 14 federal states, including the use of water cannons to disperse demonstrators approaching the venue. Despite the upheaval, the founding congress proceeded, and Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old AfD member and state parliamentarian from Cottbus, was elected chairman with 90% of votes. Hohm, an established party operative since age 17, exemplifies the disciplined, ideologically aligned leadership the AfD seeks to promote within its youth ranks. He emphasized strengthening ties with the party's far-right network but also stated the organization aims to appeal to a broader mainstream audience.

The AfD created 'Generation Deutschland' to replace its previous youth wing, which the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution classified as "securely far-right" in 2023. This move is viewed as an attempt to evade bans on unconstitutional associations while maintaining a youth base under 36 years old, encompassing roughly 6,000 members. Observers and demonstrators worry the new organization could be as radical — if not more so — than its predecessor, raising fears about the spread of extremist ideologies and potential violence against marginalized groups.

Overall, the founding of 'Generation Deutschland' reflects the AfD's strategy to cultivate a loyal, radical youth cadre prepared to advance the party's agenda, even amidst widespread public resistance and security concerns.