In Germany, the election of the new leader of the youth wing of the far-right AfD party took place under heavy security measures and amid massive protests in the city of Giessen.
Thousands of demonstrators blocked streets and the entrances to the congress, causing a delay of more than an hour and a half. Police responded with 6,000 officers and also used water cannons to disperse some of the protesters.
“Neither Alice Weidel, nor Tino Chrupalla, nor anyone else in this hall is a servant of Russia or any other country. We are German patriots. We are the generation that will save the homeland from decline… We are Generation Germany. Join us,” said Jean-Pascal Hohm.
Outside, protests organized by trade unions, left-wing organizations, and civic groups blocked the entrances to the congress. Some protesters chained themselves under a car, making circulation and access impossible, A2 CNN reports.
According to authorities, up to 50,000 demonstrators were expected to gather throughout the weekend. Meanwhile, ZDF’s “Politbarometer” poll estimates national support for AfD at 27%.
