Key Highlights:

• Thousands protested outside the AfD congress in Riesa, Germany, delaying the start of the event.
• Alice Weidel was approved as the party's candidate for chancellor ahead of the upcoming February election.
• The protests were described as a response to growing concerns over the far-right party's policies and rhetoric.
• Controversy surrounds the AfD’s proposed "remigration" policy and the future of its youth wing.
• Police reported no serious incidents but acknowledged road blockages caused by demonstrators.

On January 11, 2025, protests in the eastern German town of Riesa highlighted escalating tensions as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) held its pivotal congress. The event was delayed by approximately two hours due to the presence of thousands who rallied against the party, chanting “No to Nazis” and striving to obstruct delegates from entering the venue. Initial estimates indicated that around 12,000 demonstrators participated in the protests, although police claimed that about 8,000 were present.

Once the congress commenced, more than 600 delegates formally endorsed co-leader Alice Weidel as their candidate for chancellor in the snap election scheduled for February 23. The two-day meeting is set to finalize the party's electoral program, which contains a controversial draft manifesto advocating for policies including a commitment to leave the euro, a reversal of the phase-out of nuclear energy, and a stringent immigration stance.

Protests reported minimal violence, but organizers indicated that demonstrators faced aggressive police actions, including the use of pepper spray. Protest spokesperson Maria Schmidt emphasized their stance against the AfD's policies, stating, “Today we are protecting the right of people to live in safety without the fear of deportation or being attacked” (Al Jazeera).

Inside the congress, Weidel conveyed encouragement to party members for standing against the demonstrators, characterizing them as a "left-wing mob". Co-leader Tino Chrupalla accused the participants of exhibiting “anti-democratic” behavior, further escalating the dialogue surrounding the party’s contentious policies. Analysts remain cautious about Weidel's chances in the election, noting that current opinion polls place the AfD in second position, garnering approximately 20% support. The conservative CDU/CSU coalition is leading at 31%.

The AfD’s congress follows a notable endorsement of Weidel from US tech billionaire Elon Musk, which has brought additional media attention. The anticipated discussions also include a critical examination of the future of the Junge Alternative, the party's youth wing labeled extremist by intelligence services, amid calls for a “remigration” strategy aimed at repatriating foreigners.

Ultimately, the unfolding events in Riesa encapsulate the ongoing struggles within German politics regarding rising far-right sentiments and the responses from civil society. For more insights, refer to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.