Giessen, Germany – Thousands demonstrated Saturday in Giessen against the founding congress of Generation Germany (GD), the new youth organization affiliated with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Police estimated the protest drew over 2,000 participants, while organizers claimed significantly higher numbers, as demonstrators voiced opposition to the AfD’s ideology and its growing political influence.
The demonstration underscores rising concerns about the AfD’s increasing popularity and the potential for radicalization within its youth wing. The AfD, currently the strongest opposition party in the Bundestag with 20.8% of the vote from February’s elections, is experiencing a surge in support, with recent polls indicating gains between 24 and 27 percent, and some suggesting a potential for winning future elections. The formation of GD, succeeding the disbanded ”Young Alternative” (Mladá alternativa/JA) – previously labeled a right-wing extremist organization by German intelligence agencies – raises fears of a more closely aligned and emboldened youth movement.
The “Young Alternative” faced scrutiny and the threat of being banned, prompting the AfD leadership to distance itself earlier this year. Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), along with similar authorities in five eastern German states, had designated JA as demonstrably right-wing extremist. GD aims to operate with closer ties to the party’s central leadership.
The AfD is currently challenging the BfV’s classification of the party itself as right-wing extremist in court. The founding congress of Generation Germany is taking place amid heightened security measures and ongoing debate about the AfD’s place in German politics.
