Thousands gathered to protest in Riesa against the far-right AfD party meeting, where Alice Weidel was chosen as their chancellor candidate, rallying under the banner 'No to Nazis.' Protestors expressed their discontent with the far-right's rise, stating their commitment to safety and justice over hatred. Maria Schmidt, spokesperson for the organizers, emphasized their determination to oppose fascism in their community, reinforcing the message that Riesa is not a safe haven for extremist ideologies.
During the protest, police reported about 8,000 demonstrators, while the organizer's figures reached around 12,000. Despite the high turnout, Weidel's election as candidate highlights the complexities of German politics. The police's use of pepper spray added to tensions, but they maintained that there were no serious outbreaks of unrest, emphasizing the delicate balance between maintaining order and allowing public dissent. The congress began two hours late due to the protests, underscoring the significant opposition faced by the AfD.
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