Sat Jan 11 17:02:32 UTC 2025: ## Thousands Protest as AfD Nominates Weidel for Chancellor

**Riesa, Germany** – Thousands of protesters clashed with police in Riesa, Germany on Saturday, attempting to prevent the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party from holding its convention. The meeting, delayed by two hours due to the demonstrations, ultimately saw the party nominate co-leader Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor in next month’s snap election.

Organizers claimed 12,000 protesters, many chanting “No to Nazis,” gathered to oppose the AfD’s gathering in the eastern German town. Police reported approximately 8,000 demonstrators and confirmed the use of pepper spray to disperse some groups, while protesters alleged police brutality. Spokeswoman Maria Schmidt stated the protest aimed to safeguard the right to live without fear of attack or deportation, emphasizing that Riesa should not be a haven for fascism.

Inside the convention, Weidel lauded her party for defying the “left-wing mob,” while co-leader Tino Chrupalla condemned the protesters as “anti-democrats and terrorists.” Despite Weidel’s nomination, analysts deem her chances of winning the February 23rd election slim, given the AfD’s projected 20% support and other parties’ refusal to cooperate with them.

The AfD’s two-day convention will finalize its election program, which includes controversial policies such as “remigration” (the expulsion of foreigners), leaving the euro, and reversing Germany’s nuclear phase-out. The party also plans to replace its youth wing, classified as extremist by intelligence services.

Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, the candidate for the leading conservative Union bloc (polling at around 30%), is focusing his campaign on economic revitalization and curbing irregular migration. He aims to bring “fundamental change” following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government in November. Scholz, while acknowledging past mistakes, urged his party to focus on the future and fight for victory in the upcoming election.

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