Massive Protests Delay AfD Youth Organization Launch in Gießen Amid Road Blockades

In Gießen, large-scale protests and road blockades significantly delayed the founding meeting of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) youth organization, "Generation Deutschland," on November 29, 2025. More than 15,000 demonstrators blocked key access routes to the Gießen fairgrounds, where around 1,000 guests, including AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, were expected. The event was postponed by over two hours due to the protest actions.

The protests involved approximately 20,000 participants in demonstrations organized by trade unions under the coalition "Widersetzen." These protests were characterized as peaceful, solidary, and responsible by Michael Rudolph, district chairman of the Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) Hessen-Thüringen, who described the turnout as an "impressive, visible, and deeply democratic sign against inhumanity and division."

Police deployed water cannons and pepper spray after violent clashes erupted, including stone and bottle throwing by some protesters. Around 6,000 police officers were mobilized to manage the situation, which included blockades on major highways such as the Bundesstraße 49, and disruptions in local traffic and commercial activities, with many shops and markets temporarily closing.

Hessian Interior Minister Roman Poseck expressed concerns over some left-wing groups' calls for violence and criticized the legality of the blockades, underscoring that the AfD’s right to assembly remains protected given it is not banned. The new youth organization aims to rebrand after the prior AfD youth group, Junge Alternative, was classified as right-wing extremist. Jean-Pascal Hohm, a Cottbus representative, is named as the new youth organization's lead.

In the wake of the protests, Rudolph urged Minister Poseck to initiate a ban procedure against the AfD, emphasizing the democratic responsibility to counter perceived threats posed by the party.

Gießen city authorities continuously updated the public on protest developments, which included a democracy festival and a demonstration march accompanying the opposing actions. Despite delays and confrontations, the founding meeting proceeded later in the day, underscoring the ongoing contentious climate surrounding the AfD and its youth outreach efforts.