Alice Weidel named AfD chancellor candidate amid protests
Alice Weidel has been officially chosen as AfD's candidate for chancellor in the Bundestag elections.
Alice Weidel, co-chair of Alternative for Germany (AfD), has been selected as the party's chancellor candidate for the upcoming Bundestag elections, scheduled for 23 February. The decision was unanimously made during the AfD federal convention in Riesa, Saxony.
Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a far-right party. It is gaining increased support in Germany, particularly among young people, due to its activities on social media and in the eastern regions. With approximately 20 percent support, it has emerged as the second-largest political force in the country.
Due to protests, the AfD federal convention in Riesa commenced about two hours later than planned. Thousands of people demonstrated against the group, blocking access roads, and this led to clashes with the police.
AfD in the polls
In recent polls, the AfD is in second place, trailing only the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU). However, the party's prospects of participating in the government remain slim, as other parties have ruled out collaborating.
Current election polls indicate that the AfD is a formidable competitor to traditional parties like the CDU/CSU and the SPD. Support for the AfD is rising due to public discontent with the ruling SPD, Greens, and FDP coalition and their policies on migration and the economy.
The decision to nominate Weidel marks a significant step for the AfD, which is striving to increase its influence on the German political scene. One of the main features of the AfD is its potential shift in European policy, which may include increased EU scepticism and reduced engagement in European matters. Concerns exist that such an approach might polarise the political landscape in Germany and across Europe.
