Protesters launched fireworks at police as demonstrations marred the election campaign launch for Germany’s far-Right AfD party.

Alternative for Germany (AfD) is holding a two-day gathering in Riesa, one of its strongholds in the eastern state of Saxony, to formally nominate co-leader Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor and finalise details of its platform.

A heavy police presence was put in place as thousands of demonstrators were expected to attend. Officers partly broke up a sit-in blockade at a crossroads and fireworks were thrown towards police on the sidelines of another protest, German media reported.

Polls have shown AfD in second place ahead of Germany’s election on Feb 23, with around 20 per cent support.

However, Ms Weidel, who held a live chat with Elon Musk this week on his X platform, has little chance of securing the chancellorship as other parties have refused to work with AfD.