Thousands protest in Germany against far-right AfD congress and candidate selection

Thousands protested in Riesa, Germany, to block delegates from attending a far-right AfD congress. The meeting, delayed by two hours, saw Alice Weidel chosen as the party's candidate for chancellor in the upcoming election. Protest organizers claimed 12,000 attended, while police estimated around 8,000. Demonstrators faced police action, including pepper spray, as they voiced opposition to the AfD's policies, including a proposed "remigration" campaign to expel foreigners. The AfD's congress will finalize its election program amid controversy over its youth wing, classified as extremist. Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz of the Union bloc is favored to become chancellor, focusing on economic issues and migration.