Summary

Thousands gathered in Riesa, Saxony, to protest a two-day conference by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is polling second ahead of the February 23 federal elections.

Organizers expected 10,000 participants, with protests including highway blockades and planned disruptions of the event.

Police reported a calm situation but deployed drones and helicopters.

The AfD remains controversial, particularly in eastern Germany, where it has strong support despite being classified as a “suspected” extremist group by Germany’s intelligence agency.