German Far-Right AfD Launches New Youth Wing Amid Massive Protests and Clashes

Germany’s political landscape heated up dramatically on Saturday when the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party formally launched its new youth organization, “Generation Germany,” during a contentious convention met by thousands of furious protesters. While AfD delegates pushed through the restructuring inside a heavily secured venue, outside saw chaotic scenes: police deploying pepper spray and water cannons after stones flew and roads got blocked. Regional interior minister Roman Poseck pegged protester numbers at 25,000 to 30,000, with up to 5,000 officers on duty and 10-15 slightly injured. Most demonstrations stayed peaceful, but the violence underscored deep national divisions over AfD’s rise.​

The convention kicked off over two hours late as activists tried sealing off access roads, delaying hundreds of delegates. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel blasted the disruptions as “deeply undemocratic,” accusing left-wing extremists of hypocrisy. She highlighted an attack on one lawmaker near Giessen, confirmed by police though details stayed sparse. Tino Chrupalla, the other co-leader, stressed lessons from past youth wing troubles: “We should have taken more care of the young new hopes… it will be different now.” The party frames this as tighter control to serve broader goals, distancing from extremism labels while channeling youth energy.​

Why AfD Ditched Young Alternative for Generation Germany

This isn’t a casual rebrand. AfD severed ties with its former youth arm, Young Alternative (JA), back in March after Germany’s domestic intelligence agency (BfV) branded it a confirmed right-wing extremist outfit. JA, founded in 2013 for ages 14-35, operated with some independence—non-party members could join, leading to scandals that tarnished AfD. The BfV flagged aspirations against democratic order; AfD itself fights a similar “suspected extremist” tag in court, currently suspended. Dissolving JA and birthing Generation Germany under age 36 lets AfD clamp down: all members must toe party lines, except under-16s ineligible for full membership.

Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old Brandenburg lawmaker and ex-JA state chair, snagged uncontested leadership. “Proud” of his past, he vows alignment with AfD principles. Statutes now mandate youth activities “must not contradict” party order, fostering mutual promotion. Party bosses see this as damage control ahead of February’s snap elections, where AfD grabbed second place nationally with over 20%—now the biggest opposition force. Eastern strongholds like Thuringia and Saxony amplify youth appeal amid immigration frustrations.​

Democracy vs. Far-Right Surge

The Riesa convention turned battleground. Protesters—unions, NGOs, civil society—chanted against fascism, blocking highways with human chains. Police water cannons twice dispersed crowds; pepper spray followed stone-throwing. Poseck condemned violence while praising mostly peaceful turnout. Signs screamed “No Nazis in Parliament,” echoing nationwide demos post-AfD’s state wins. Over 1,300 AfD-led local councils now exist; polls show 18-22% support, pressuring centrists.​

AfD cries foul: Weidel likened blockades to authoritarianism, positioning party as democracy’s victim. Chrupalla urged youth to “put themselves at the party’s service,” signaling disciplined mobilization. Critics counter AfD’s rhetoric flirts with extremism—BfV monitors 40,000 members. Protests reflect broader alarm: since 2024, millions marched against AfD amid migration crises and economic woes.

AfD’s Electoral Momentum and Youth Strategy

AfD exploded from 2013 Euro-skeptic roots to anti-immigration powerhouse. February’s national vote yielded 20.8%, per AP—second to CDU/CSU. Eastern states deliver: Thuringia 32.8%, Saxony 30.6%. Youth wing reboot targets under-35s disillusioned by stagnation, housing shortages, Green policies. Generation Germany skips JA’s scandals—like 2021 Verfassungsschutz suspicions—for “patriotic” branding, echoing Jusos (SPD youth).​

Chrupalla admits neglect: Young activists drifted into unmonitored activism. New structure integrates them fully, shielding from bans (JA eyed dissolution). Hohm promises grassroots energy without “extremist” taint. Strategists bet controlled youth bolsters 2026 state polls, eyeing chancellery coalition cracks.

Germany’s Far-Right Reckoning

AfD’s ascent mirrors Europe: France’s National Rally, Italy’s Brothers, Netherlands’ PVV. Merkel-era migration (1M+ Syrians) fueled backlash; AfD demands “remigration.” Economy sours—recession, 6.5% inflation—boosts populism. Scholz’s traffic-light coalition crumbles; snap polls loom.

Intelligence scrutiny bites: BfV infiltrated AfD; court battles rage. Protests swell—100,000+ in Berlin recently. Yet AfD youth events draw crowds, social media virality among Gen Z frustrated by “woke” mandates.

Implications for Democracy and Elections

Generation Germany’s launch spotlights tensions. Tighter reins may sanitize image, evade bans, but stifle radical appeal? Protests galvanize left but risk martyring AfD. If AfD hits 25% nationally, coalitions fracture—CDU vows firewall, yet pragmatists whisper deals.

For observers: Watch youth turnout. Hohm’s leadership tests moderation. Violence backlash could sway moderates AfD’s way. EU watches—German stability anchors bloc.

Global Echoes and Lessons

Orbán’s Hungary cheers AfD; Brussels frets. U.S. parallels: Trump’s base mobilization. Youth wings worldwide pivot: tighter control amid scrutiny.

Germany stands at crossroads. AfD’s youth bet gambles on discipline yielding power. Protesters vow resistance. Riesa’s clashes preview fiercer battles ahead.

Saturday fused hope (for AfD), fury (opponents), force (state). Democracy endures—messy, vital.

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