On November 29, 2025, the far-right AfD launched its new youth group, “Generation Deutschland” (GD). The meeting took place at the Hessenhallen center in Giessen, a university town in Hesse.
This new group replaced the AfD’s former youth wing, “Junge Alternative” (JA). JA was shut down earlier in 2025 after Germany’s domestic intelligence agency labeled it a proven right-wing extremist group.
The event faced strong opposition. Around 20,000–40,000 people protested under the “Widersetzen” alliance.
The protesting crowd included Antifa groups, climate activists, unions, and left-wing groups. The protests became violent. People blocked roads, threw stones, set off flares, and attacked AfD members and police.
Between 4,500–6,000 police officers were sent from across Germany. They used water cannons, pepper spray, and batons to control the situation.
The AfD event started more than two hours late but still went ahead. Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old AfD lawmaker with links to far-right networks, was elected as the first leader of GD.
Dozens of people were slightly injured. This included 28 police officers, AfD members, and one police horse, which was seriously hurt after being hit by a stone and falling.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel called the protests “deeply undemocratic.” Left Party leader Janine Wissler said the protests were an important stand against fascism.
These events show the growing political tension in Germany. The AfD is polling at 22–25% nationally, driven by concerns about migration and the economy. By the evening, there were no major arrests, but investigations into damage and assaults were still ongoing.
