Protests Delay AfD Congress as Party Prepares to Nominate First Chancellor Candidate

Thousands demonstrated in Riesa, blocking roads and delaying the start of the far-right party's key meeting by over two hours.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) began its two-day congress in Riesa after a significant delay caused by large-scale protests blocking access to the venue.
Alice Weidel is set to be officially nominated as the party's first-ever candidate for chancellor ahead of the February 23 snap general election.
The party's draft manifesto includes controversial proposals such as exiting the euro, stricter immigration policies, and a return to nuclear energy.
Police estimated around 10,000 protesters, with some engaging in blockades and confrontations, while organizers claimed 12,000 participants from across Germany.
The AfD's youth wing, Junge Alternative, faces potential dissolution due to its classification as a right-wing extremist group by domestic intelligence.