Thousands protest against the far-right AfD party congress

(CLO) Thousands of people gathered in the town of Riesa, in the German state of Saxony, to protest the important congress of the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).

The congress officially nominated party co-leader Alice Weidel as its candidate for Prime Minister in the early election next February.

According to protest organizers, around 12,000 people from across Germany descended on Riesa to prevent AfD delegates from attending the congress. Police estimated the number at around 8,000. Roads leading to the congress center were blocked, delaying the session by two hours.

Police react to protesters to prevent a demonstration against the AfD party's national conference, in Riesa, Germany on January 11, 2025. (Photo courtesy of AP, not for re-release)

Some protesters carried banners and chanted "No to Nazis". Police used tear gas and forcibly dispersed groups blocking the road.

"Today we defend everyone's right to live safely without fear of deportation or attack. Riesa is not a place for fascism," said Maria Schmidt, a spokeswoman for the protest organizers.

Inside the hall, Alice Weidel praised party members for "overcoming the far-left crowd" to attend the congress. Party co-leader Tino Chrupalla criticized the protesters as "undemocratic and terrorist".

The AfD party plans to adopt its election platform during a two-day meeting. One controversial proposal is a "remigration" policy, which would see mass deportations of foreigners from Germany.

AfD party leader Alice Weidel at the conference. Photo: X

The party is also considering dissolving the Junge Alternative (JA) youth group, which is listed as an extremist group by German intelligence. In addition, the draft platform also proposes Germany withdrawing from the European Union (EU) and restoring nuclear power plants, which goes against current energy policy.

Although the AfD is currently second in the polls with around 20% support, the chances of Alice Weidel becoming Chancellor are very low as other parties have refused to cooperate with the AfD.

This week, Ms Weidel received public support from tech billionaire Elon Musk in a live chat on the X platform (formerly Twitter), but experts say the backing is unlikely to create a breakthrough for AfD.

Currently, the center-right opposition coalition CDU/CSU led by Friedrich Merz is leading with about 30% of the support. Mr. Merz focuses on economic stimulus policies and immigration control.

Meanwhile, incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz faced much criticism after the center-left ruling coalition collapsed in November 2024, leading to an internal crisis and early elections.

Speaking at a party congress in Berlin, Mr. Scholz admitted making mistakes but called for unity toward the future: "Let's fight together!"

The February 23, 2025 election promises to be a fierce contest between parties with clearly opposing policies. The AfD's growing influence has many citizens and leaders worried about the rise of far-right extremism in Germany.

Observers say the election results will shape Germany's direction on key issues such as immigration, the economy and energy policy in the coming years.

Cao Phong (according to Al Jazeera, DW, France24)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/duc-hang-nghin-nguoi-bieu-tinh-phan-doi-dai-hoi-dang-cuc-huu-afd-post330040.html