Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday in the German city of Neu-Isenburg to protest the country’s far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). The protests delayed the party’s election campaign event at the city hall, Hugenottenhalle.
The party event, titled “Mega-Veranstaltung mit Alice Weidel” (Mega-Event with Alice Weidel), was a campaign rally for the party’s chancellor candidate. Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, was nominated last month at a party conference, which also sparked protests in Riesa.
The police estimated the number of protesters to be around 9,000, much higher than expected. According to police reports, the demonstrations in the city area have been peaceful. However, near Hugenottenhalle, three individuals were arrested and found with pyrotechnics. Alice Weidel also reported that protesters had blocked emergency access for ambulances.
Despite the disruptions, the campaign event proceeded. At the event, AfD representatives reiterated their views on immigration and globalization. Co-leaders Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel promised to deport 250,000 refugees and exit the World Health Organization. The AfD’s plans for mass deportation had previously been revealed, which led to nationwide protests and calls to ban the party.
Following incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s initiation of a confidence vote, Germany’s next federal election is expected to be held on 23 February 2025. Alice Weidel is the first chancellor candidate nominated by the AfD since its inception in 2013. The party has had growing support in recent years, winning the state election in Thuringia last year.
