Janice R. Andrews
Riesa, Germany – Thousands of protesters gathered in the eastern town of Riesa on Saturday to disrupt the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) congress. Demonstrators blocked key access roads, delaying the start of the event and escalating tensions in the lead-up to critical February elections.
Organized by the Widersetzen (Oppose) alliance, the protests aimed to “shut down access to the AfD congress,” drawing over 5,000 participants. Clashes with police ensued, with authorities deploying water cannons to disperse crowds. Protesters condemned the AfD for promoting divisive and discriminatory policies, accusing the party of normalizing extremism.
The AfD, currently polling as Germany’s second-most popular political force, is gearing up for February 23 elections. However, its growing influence has sparked widespread criticism, leading to mass mobilizations against its far-right platform.
Protest leaders emphasized their commitment to combating the AfD’s rise. “We must stand against hate and extremism in all forms,” a spokesperson for Widersetzen declared. The AfD responded by denouncing the protests as an attack on democratic principles, though the demonstrations received strong support online, with hashtags like #StopAfD trending nationwide.
As Germany braces for pivotal elections, the unrest in Riesa highlights the nation’s political divisions. The protests reflect a broader pushback against far-right ideologies, setting the stage for a heated battle over Germany’s democratic future.
