Protests Erupt During AfD Party Conference

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is holding a two-day conference in Riesa, Saxony, to nominate co-leader Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor and finalize its election platform. The event has been met with significant protests, with organizers expecting over 10,000 demonstrators to participate. A heavy police presence has been deployed to manage the situation, which has included the blocking of access roads and isolated clashes. Polls indicate that AfD is currently in second place with about 20% support ahead of the February 23 elections, although Weidel's chances of becoming chancellor are slim due to other parties' refusal to collaborate with AfD. The conservative Union bloc leads the polls at around 30%, with incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz trailing at 14-17% after his coalition's collapse in November. Authorities are closely monitoring the protests, which highlight the growing tensions surrounding the upcoming elections.