AfD Founds Youth Wing in Gießen Amid Large Protests

In the central German city of Gießen, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party held a founding congress on Saturday for its new youth organization, Generation Germany, drawing over 800 participants while thousands of protesters blocked roads and delayed the event. The gathering, which replaced the party's previous youth wing after its dissolution earlier this year, highlighted the AfD's efforts to reorganize amid growing electoral support and widespread opposition.

The congress, attended by AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, began several hours late due to demonstrations organized by the Resist alliance and other groups. Protesters established blockades at multiple locations around the city, aiming to prevent delegates from reaching the convention center. Police estimated more than 25,000 demonstrators participated, though organizers claimed up to 50,000. The protests remained largely peaceful, but tensions escalated in isolated incidents where stones were thrown at officers and protesters ignored dispersal orders.

Law enforcement deployed pepper spray and water cannons to clear blockades, resulting in minor injuries to between 10 and 20 officers, as well as some...