Amid Protests, AfD Unanimously Elects Alice Weidel as Chancellor Candidate Ahead of February Elections

Jan 11, 2025, 12:27 PM

On January 11, 2025, Alice Weidel was unanimously elected as the Alternative für Deutschland's (AfD) candidate for Chancellor at the party's congress in Riesa. This marks the first time the right-wing party has nominated its own candidate for the chancellorship ahead of the federal elections scheduled for February 23. The congress aimed to display party unity, with delegates chanting 'Alice für Deutschland' and adopting the AfD's election manifesto. The event faced delays due to thousands of protesters blocking roads and attempting to prevent the congress. In her speech, Weidel positioned the AfD as a 'conservative' and 'libertarian' force and expressed gratitude to Elon Musk for livestreaming the event, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech.