Protests Disrupt Far-Right AfD Convention Ahead of Election \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Protesters disrupted the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) convention in Riesa, delaying its start as election campaigns ramped up. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel criticized mainstream parties and proposed controversial policies like border closures and removing wind turbines. Polls place AfD in second, behind the Union bloc led by Friedrich Merz, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz seeks to revive his Social Democrats’ chances.
Germany’s Election Campaigns Begin Amid Protests and Controversy
- Protests in Riesa: Demonstrators delayed the far-right AfD convention, disrupting roadways and creating tension.
- AfD Leadership: Alice Weidel formally nominated as chancellor candidate, calls for border closures and deportations.
- Union’s Platform: Friedrich Merz focuses on economic growth and migration reform, leading in polls.
- Social Democrats Struggle: Olaf Scholz acknowledges coalition failures and urges party unity for a comeback.
- International Policy Debate: Scholz counters Trump’s Greenland remarks; Merz critiques German-American diplomacy tactics.
Deep Look
Germany’s political landscape is heating up as parties officially launch their campaigns for the February 23 election. Tensions flared Saturday as thousands of protesters disrupted a convention for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Riesa, Saxony, a region that has been a stronghold for the controversial party. The protests delayed the start of AfD’s two-day convention by over two hours, underscoring the divisive nature of the upcoming election.
Protests Disrupt AfD’s Convention
Demonstrators blocked roads leading to the convention venue, forcing heavy police intervention to clear paths for delegates. The red-hot atmosphere reflects the polarized response to AfD, which has gained traction as Germany’s second most popular party with approximately 20% support in recent polls.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, formally nominated as the party’s candidate for chancellor at the convention, commended attendees for “defying the left-wing mob.” She framed the protests as evidence of what she described as an “intolerant left” obstructing free political discourse.
AfD’s Controversial Platform
Weidel’s speech unveiled the party’s hardline policies, including closing Germany’s borders to undocumented migrants, mass deportations, and expanding the politically charged concept of “remigration.” She also criticized Germany’s renewable energy initiatives, pledging to dismantle wind turbines if AfD gains power.
In a move likely to stir further controversy, Weidel proposed restoring operations to the Nord Stream gas pipeline, which was damaged in 2022 amid escalating tensions with Russia. Her fiery rhetoric positions AfD as an anti-establishment force, contrasting sharply with the mainstream conservative Union bloc and the Social Democrats.
Weidel also sought to boost the party’s visibility on the global stage by engaging with tech billionaire Elon Musk on his X platform earlier in the week. Musk, who has endorsed AfD, lent the party an international spotlight, though Weidel’s chances of becoming chancellor remain slim. Mainstream parties have consistently refused to collaborate with AfD, isolating it politically despite its rising popularity.
Union Bloc Leads the Polls
Leading the polls with 30% support, Friedrich Merz’s Union bloc is the frontrunner heading into the election. Merz has positioned his party as the solution to Germany’s economic stagnation, promising to create a stable environment for both domestic and foreign investors.
Speaking in Hamburg, Merz called for “fundamental change” following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government in November. He pledged to end political infighting and implement long-term policies to stimulate growth and reduce irregular migration.
“Public finger-pointing from Germany has never made an impression in America, and as a rule has achieved the opposite,” Merz said, subtly contrasting his diplomatic approach with Scholz’s.
Social Democrats Seek a Comeback
Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces an uphill battle as his Social Democrats trail in third place, polling at 14-17%. At a party convention in Berlin, Scholz formally accepted his nomination as the Social Democrats’ candidate, urging delegates to focus on the future despite past missteps.
Scholz acknowledged that his coalition government’s collapse was partly his responsibility. “Maybe I should also have ended the coalition earlier,” he admitted, referencing the November fallout after he dismissed his finance minister in a dispute over economic reforms.
Scholz criticized Merz’s Union bloc for making “expensive promises” to wealthy Germans, claiming it would create a budget deficit. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia, maintaining Germany’s position as a leading supplier of weapons. However, Scholz reiterated his refusal to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles, signaling his cautious approach to military support.
A High-Stakes Election
Germany’s upcoming election marks a critical juncture, with key issues such as economic stagnation, migration, and energy policy dominating the discourse. AfD’s rise reflects growing discontent among certain segments of the population, but the party’s extremist policies and controversial rhetoric alienate mainstream voters.
The Union bloc’s focus on stability and growth has positioned Merz as the favorite to become Germany’s next chancellor. Meanwhile, Scholz faces the challenge of revitalizing his party and appealing to disenchanted voters who have been critical of his leadership.
The international implications of this election are also significant, as Germany’s stance on climate policy, energy independence, and its relationship with the United States will influence broader European and global dynamics. Scholz’s pushback against former President Donald Trump’s comments on Greenland highlighted the intersection of domestic and international politics, while Merz’s emphasis on pragmatic diplomacy seeks to recalibrate Germany’s global image.
Looking Ahead
With protests, fiery rhetoric, and high-stakes debates shaping the early days of the campaign, Germany’s election season is already proving contentious. The outcome will not only determine the country’s leadership but also set the tone for its future direction amid complex domestic and international challenges.
Protests Disrupt Far
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