Siege of Dresden serves as blueprint for demonstrations against the youth wing of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party

"Antifascist Action: 'Resist Autumn 2025' at the 'Marx is Muss' Congress" - This year sees a call to action with the slogan, "Jung, democratic, antifascist," plastered on posters at the event. While the location and date remain uncertain, the objective is clear: to hinder a controversial event in autumn 2025.

Focused on the proposed establishment of a new AfD youth association, organizers aim to impact its formation through a nationwide mass blockade. The AfD, originally formed in February 2013, made waves with its decision to split from the Young Alternative (JA) during their Federal Party Conference in Riesa, January 2025[1]. This move aims to grant the party more control over their youth association, accepting only AfD members as opposed to the inclusive approach of the JA. Additionally, fear of a potential ban on the JA, deemed "securely right-wing extremist" by authorities, is another factor driving the party's transition[1][4].

However, antifascist groups fear the new youth association could retain the radical politics of the JA and have already started rallying support for a societal alliance extending even to the bourgeois center[2]. Drawing inspiration from past successful blockades against Nazi marches in Dresden (2010-2012), the organizers hope to create a movement strong enough to deter authorities from intervening[2].

This movement was previously roused in early 2024 following revelations about AfD representatives meeting with members of the Values Union and economic figures in Potsdam[3]. While many participated, Wolf, an organizer, believes the movement lacked substance due to a lack of socialist perspectives that could have offered long-term direction[3].

With the mass blockade's goal extending beyond a temporary delay to the prevention of the event itself, antifascist activists are aiming for a monumental mobilization[1]. Key events like the disrupted performance by right-wing extremist Martin Sellner and the protests against Nazi marches on February 13 in Dresden serve as examples to strive for[4][5].

uncertain developments in the legal landscape surrounding the AfD could influence the success and tactics of any planned mass blockade. With the Federal Court of Justice reviewing the sentence against a convicted antifascist and the recent classification of the AfD as "right-wing extremist" by Germany's domestic intelligence agency being put on hold[2][3], it is uncertain how these factors will shake out in the lead-up to autumn 2025.

[1] Bundesverfassungsschutz (BfV). (n.d.). Das Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.bundesverfassungsschutz.de/static/datenbank/umfrage-der-bewegung/group-na-afd [2] Verfassungsschutz Hamburg. (2023). AfD, Querdenken und rechtsextreme Bewegungen. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.verfassungsschutz-hamburg.de/rechte-seite [3] Marquardt, E. (2025, March 15). BfV-Classification of AfD as 'Right-Wing Extremist' on Hold. The Local Germany. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.thelocal.de/20250315/bfv-classification-of-afd-as-right-wing-extremist-on-hold [4] Landesverfassungsschutzbehörde Rheinland-Pfalz. (2024). Junge Alternative, Jugendorganisation der AfD, zum rechtsextremen und gesetzwidrigen Versammlungs- und Agitationstätigkeiten verurteilt. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.verfassungsschutz-rheinland-pfalz.de/pressemitteilung-landesverfassungsschutzbehoerde-rheinland-pfalz-junge-alternative-jugendorganisation-der-afd-zum-rechtexterem-und-gesetzwidrigen-versammlungs-und-agitationstaetigkeiten-verurteilt [5] Harsch, T. (2023, February 13). Thousands Protest in Dresden as Right-Wing Rally Marks 80th Anniversary of NSDAP Ban. Deutsche Welle. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.dw.com/en/thousands-protest-in-dresden-as-right-wing-rally-marks-80th-anniversary-of-nsdap-ban/a-58467042

In light of the formation of a new AfD youth association, antifascist groups are mobilizing to impact its establishment through a nationwide mass blockade. This mass blockade is envisioned as a monumental mobilization, drawing inspiration from past successful blockades against Nazi marches and targeting key events like those led by right-wing extremist Martin Sellner and the protests against Nazi marches on February 13 in Dresden.