AfD Launches 'Generation Deutschland' Youth Wing Amid Large Protests in Gießen

On November 29, 2025, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) inaugurated its new youth organization, 'Generation Deutschland', in Gießen, marking a strategic relaunch following the dissolution of its predecessor, the Junge Alternative, which had been classified as a right-wing extremist group by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the Verfassungsschutz. Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old politician from Cottbus with a documented history of right-wing extremist affiliations and ongoing surveillance by the Verfassungsschutz, was overwhelmingly elected chairman with 90.4% of the votes.

Hohm emphasized his mission to protect Germany from decline and openly expressed willingness to collaborate with extremist groups, signaling the new organization's far-right orientation. All members of Generation Deutschland are required to also belong to the AfD, ensuring close ties between the youth wing and the main party. AfD leadership, including co-chair Tino Chrupalla, underscored the need for the youth to engage in disciplined political work beyond mere activism.

The founding congress, however, was met with massive opposition. Police reported approximately 25,000 protesters, while organizers claimed over 50,000 participants rallied against the event, demanding an AfD ban and raising concerns about the party's threat to democracy. Clashes occurred during the demonstrations, with injuries reported among police officers, demonstrators, and even an AfD Bundestag member, Julian Schmidt, who was assaulted. Authorities used water cannons to disperse protesters attempting to breach roadblocks.

Hesse's Minister President Boris Rhein condemned the violence and stressed the importance of upholding democratic rights, while Alice Weidel, a prominent AfD leader, decried the protests as undemocratic and criticized media portrayals of the party as extreme. Despite the protests and the controversial nature of its new youth wing's leadership, experts warned that no moderation in the AfD’s stance should be expected under Hohm's leadership. The event concluded with a blend of political fervor and youthful exuberance as Hohm invited attendees to a party, signaling the group's determination to mobilize young supporters for the party's future electoral contests.