Overview

• The SPD officially confirmed Olaf Scholz as its chancellor candidate for the February 23 Bundestag election, emphasizing a 'directional decision' for Germany's future.
• Alice Weidel was unanimously chosen as the AfD's first-ever chancellor candidate at the party's delayed convention in Riesa, disrupted by large-scale protests.
• Scholz criticized the CDU/CSU's policies as favoring the wealthy and warned against a rightward political shift, referencing Austria's recent developments.
• Protests against the AfD convention saw thousands demonstrating, with six police officers reported injured during clashes and blockades in Riesa.
• The Bundestag is investigating Elon Musk's public support for the AfD as a potential violation of German election laws, following his controversial endorsements.