(ANSA-AFP) - MAGDEBURG, JUL 28 - Following a surge in popularity that has unsettled the political establishment, Germany's far-right AfD holds a congress Friday with its sights set on triumphs in European and state elections next year. Some 600 members have gathered in Magdeburg -- a city in the former communist east where the party has strong support -- with anti-extremist groups staging demonstrations outside. As the congress got under way, the AfD made clear its ambitions, with co-president Alice Weidel saying the party planned to push its own candidate for chancellor at national polls in 2025 for the first time. The party is planning to debate its programme and candidates for the European elections in June 2024 over the two coming weekends. (ANSA-AFP).