Violent clashes between the police and thousands of protesters with the launch of 'Generation Germany'
Violent protests erupted in Gießen as the AfD youth conference began, leading to road closures, the evacuation of the city center, and injuries to several people while police struggled to contain the unrest.
Protesters blocked highways, main streets, and entrances to the trade fair site in Gießen, led by the Widersetzen alliance, which organized extensive disruptions. Away from the protest areas, hr reporters described the city as unusually quiet and empty.
The confrontations escalated quickly. About ten injured protesters received treatment at the University Hospital of Giessen, while the police reported injuries to between 10 and 15 officers. Deputy Julian Schmidt appeared at the scene injured, confirming that he was attacked by a group of protesters. The police also confirmed the assault on another deputy in Heuchelheim.
The police used tear gas, batons, and water cannons as tensions escalated. Reports indicated that protesters threw stones at the police and attempted to breach barriers, while damage was recorded in several areas, including Lutzellinden where around two thousand people gathered. Journalists also reported being harassed by protesters.
Despite the chaos, about 840 participants managed to reach the hall, but the conference started with a delay of more than two hours. The leaders of AfD, including Alice Weidel, Tino Chrupalla, and Björn Höcke, arrived with police escort. Götz Kubitschek also attended with a book booth from his publishing house.
Inside the hall, the delegates approved the new name Generation Deutschland (Generation Germany) and adopted the internal regulations for the youth. Jan Pascal Hohm, monitored as a far-right figure, was elected president with 90.4%.