As the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party convention in Riesa, Saxony, got underway on Saturday, it was accompanied by massive protests and a delayed start. Party leader Tino Chrupalla lamented the “more than annoying” journey for all delegates, attributing the safety of the attendees to the “massive and professional support” of the police.
The city had already seen counter-demonstrations since the early morning hours, with the police, who had deployed a large contingent, estimating up to 10,000 attendees from across the federal state, later revised to at least 8,000. Initially, the situation remained peaceful, with the atmosphere tense and some groups attempting to breach police cordons around Riesa.
Additionally, there were delays at the protests, with the police reporting that, at first, only a few people were present on the designated counter-protest area. However, the B169 highway was closed due to police measures in the area of the counter-protest, and it was only later that the area began to fill up.
The two-day AfD convention in Saxony is expected to focus on various topics, including the party’s program for the federal election, which is still contentious. The party is also set to discuss the issue of Germany’s possible exit from the European Union, as well as abortion and traditional family values.
On the second day, the convention will also address constitutional issues, with the conflict over the youth organization Junge Alternative (JA) likely to take center stage. The federal board wants to dissolve the JA and replace it with a new youth organization, but it is unclear whether the necessary two-thirds majority will be reached at the convention.