Germany. Alice Weidel taps into rising AfD wave for chancellor bid
Alice Weidel was officially nominated as the AfD candidate for chancellor in the Bundestag elections.
Alice Weidel, co-chair of Alternative for Germany (AfD), was chosen as the party's candidate for chancellor in the upcoming Bundestag elections, which will take place on February 23. The decision was made unanimously during the AfD federal convention in Riesa, Saxony.
Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a far-right party that is gaining increasing support in Germany, especially among young people. This rise is attributed to its activity on social media and in the eastern states. With around 20% support, it has become the second-largest political force in the country.
Due to protests, the AfD federal convention in Riesa started about two hours later than planned. Thousands of people demonstrated against the group, blocking access roads and clashing with police.
AfD in the polls
In recent polls, the AfD has been ranked second, trailing only the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU). Nevertheless, the party's chances of participating in the government are slim because other parties have ruled out cooperating with it.
Current election polls show that the AfD is a serious rival to traditional parties like the CDU/CSU and the SPD. Support for the AfD is growing, attributed to public dissatisfaction with the ruling coalition of the SPD, the Greens, and the FDP and their migration and economic policies.
The decision to nominate Weidel is a significant step for the AfD, which aims to increase its influence on the German political scene. One of AfD's main traits is its potential shift in European policy, which they might affect by increasing skepticism towards the EU and reducing involvement in European issues. There is concern that such an approach may polarize the political scene in Germany and across Europe.
