Giessen, Germany – November 29, 2025 - Large-scale protests erupted in giessen today as demonstrators attempted to block a convention aimed at establishing a new youth organization affiliated with the far-right Choice for germany (AfD) party. Police reported clashes with protesters who created roadblocks, considerably disrupting traffic throughout the city.
The AfD’s previous youth wing, the Junge Freiheit, was disbanded after Germany’s domestic intelligence services labeled it a “proven right-wing extremist” organization. The new group, expected to be named “Generation Germany,” is slated to be led by Jean-Pascal Hohm, who is also identified by domestic intelligence services in Brandenburg as a “confirmed right-wing extremist.”
Protesters used a bus to obstruct access to a roundabout, causing traffic chaos. Police deployed pepper spray after being targeted with rocks in the early morning. Some groups have stated thier intention to prevent AfD members from reaching the convention hall to halt the founding of the new organization. A spokesperson for the AfD confirmed the convention’s start has been delayed.
Hesse’s Interior Minister Roman Poseck stated police are preparing for a “challenging large-scale situation.” Authorities have mobilized several thousand police officers from across Germany, including federal police forces.
More than 20 protests were registered with the city. Organizers of some of the largest demonstrations have accused the city of unfairly restricting protesters to one side of the Lahn River while allowing the AfD convention to proceed undisturbed. Police anticipate upwards of 50,000 protesters in Giessen, a city with a population of approximately 90,000.
