Germany: Thousands protest AfD party conference in Saxony – DW – 01/11/2025
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Organizers said they expected over 10,000 people to attend demonstrations in eastern Saxony state. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polling in second place ahead of upcoming federal elections.

Summary

Thousands gathered in Riesa, Saxony, to protest a two-day conference by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is polling second ahead of the February 23 federal elections.

Organizers expected 10,000 participants, with protests including highway blockades and planned disruptions of the event.

Police reported a calm situation but deployed drones and helicopters.

The AfD remains controversial, particularly in eastern Germany, where it has strong support despite being classified as a “suspected” extremist group by Germany’s intelligence agency.

  • @MetzEnglish
    53•2 months ago

    classified as a “suspected” extremist group

    The AfD was classified by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution as “confirmed right-wing extremist” in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. There is nothing “suspected” about it. They are without even the slightest doubt extreme right-wing facists. Or in short, fucking Nazis.

    • @[email protected]English
      26•2 months ago

      Politicians are afraid it might make them unpopular among the racist part of the population.

        • @[email protected]English
          16•2 months ago

          I agree with the sentiment, but I don’t think being “ashamed” is the way to go - I only feel shame for things I have done.

          But otherwise I agree. They just held their party convention with the speaker being flanked by 8 German flags on the left on 8 on the right - so 88. And held up signs “Alice for Deutschland” (one of their leaders was convicted for using the SA slogan “Alles für Deutschland”). So yeah, they’re fascists and ~20% of voters want to vote for them. It’s disgusting.

        • @[email protected]English
          2•2 months ago

          Less forgotten, more intentionally misinterpreted. They penalize as antisemites anyone critical of the state of Israel, while simultaneously allowing this political party to exist. Assholes.

    • @[email protected]English
      1•2 months ago

      Sorry to disappoint but with roughly 59.2 million people eligible to vote their 22% make for about 13 million votes.