Protests erupted in Riesa, Germany, where the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party held its convention ahead of the upcoming elections on February 23. Many demonstrators gathered to express their dissent against the party, which is known for its far-right stance. The significant police presence was required to manage a situation where officers had to break up a sit-in blockade at a crossroads. Reports indicated that fireworks were thrown towards police during the demonstrations, leading to tense confrontations between protesters and law enforcement.

The two-day conference is crucial for the AfD as it seeks to formally nominate co-leader Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor and finalize its election platform. Polls show the AfD currently in second place with approximately 20% support, trailing the conservative Union bloc, which leads with around 30% and whose candidate, Friedrich Merz, is favored to secure the chancellorship. Although Weidel recently participated in a live chat with billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, her chances for victory remain slim as major parties have ruled out collaborations with the AfD (AP News).

The political landscape is particularly tumultuous, affected by the collapse of a minority government led by current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose Social Democrats stand at about 14-17% in the polls. Scholz previously dismissed his finance minister amid disputes over revitalizing Germany's stagnant economy, which has contributed to the upcoming elections being held earlier than originally planned.

The protests are indicative of the heightened political tensions as parties ramp up their campaigns for an election season characterized by divisions and polarizing issues (The Guardian).