Germany: Mass Protests Against the Alternative for Germany Party

Thousands participated in protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on Friday and Saturday, during a conference held by the party to select its candidates for the upcoming European Parliament elections. Demonstrators outside the conference venue in Magdeburg waved banners with slogans such as "Stand Together Against Right-Wing Hate" and "Nazis Out." AfD leader Alice Weidel told the Italian newspaper "La Repubblica," "Germany has realized that the right is the future, and the voices are rising." Polls indicate that the party, which denies being Nazi, enjoys support from voters at around 22%, trailing behind the opposing conservatives. Analysts say it exploits voter fears regarding recession, immigration, and the transition to a green economy. Last month, the AfD won a mayoral election for the first time, and it is expected to succeed in upcoming elections in three states in eastern Germany. The rise of its influence has raised concerns within the domestic intelligence agency about extremism.