"Germany's Far-right AfD Selects Lead Candidate for EU Elections"

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has chosen Maximilian Krah, an incumbent EU Parliament member, as its top candidate for the 2024 European Union election campaign. The party, which is gaining popularity in Germany, aims to strengthen nation-states within the EU and reduce the power of EU institutions. The AfD also voted to join the far-right ID Group in the European Parliament. The party's anti-EU and anti-migration stance, along with its nationalist rhetoric, has resonated with disconcerted voters amid Germany's economic woes. Chancellor Olaf Scholz downplayed the AfD's rising poll numbers, while protests against the party have been taking place in Magdeburg.