(MENAFN) Massive demonstrations unfolded in the city of Giessen, where the right-wing Alternative for Germany party (AfD) convened over the weekend to inaugurate a new youth movement known as Generation Deutschland (GD).

The rallies were coordinated by the left-leaning Resist alliance, which vowed to obstruct the establishment event for the fledgling organization.

Early Saturday, activists from the alliance poured into the usually tranquil university town, seeking to obstruct roadways, force their way through police barricades, and confront incoming AfD affiliates and backers.

According to local authorities, clusters of demonstrators were “massively” hindering traffic flow.

Officers repeatedly deployed pepper spray and water cannons to disperse the disorderly crowds, who responded by launching flares and other objects at police while attempting direct clashes with security lines.

Footage circulating online appears to depict a contingent of black-garbed left-wing protesters scuffling with AfD MP Julian Schmidt.

The parliamentarian, seemingly aided by another person, engaged in a physical altercation with the demonstrators before being knocked to the ground, according to the video.

Another circulating clip shows a group of aggressive protesters attacking a vehicle on a roadway they sought to obstruct.

The car reportedly transported either AfD representatives or journalists scheduled to document the GD founding event.

MENAFN30112025000045017167ID1110414638