ERFURT (Realist English). On July 4, the two‑day congress of the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party began in Erfurt, the administrative centre of the federal state of Thuringia. On the very first day, the proceedings were overshadowed by large‑scale protests.
According to police estimates, up to 50,000 people took part in the demonstrations. Some protesters clashed with police, who had been deployed in large numbers to the venue.
Re‑election of Weidel and Chrupalla
Delegates re‑elected the party’s incumbent leaders — Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla. They have jointly led the party for four years.
The congress also planned to discuss internal party matters and demonstrate unity ahead of state elections in eastern Germany this autumn.
Context: Nazi Anniversary and the ‘Brandmauer’
The holding of the congress drew particular outrage because it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the NSDAP congress held in neighbouring Weimar in 1926. Historians and political opponents called the coincidence symbolic, while the AfD rejected such allegations.
The party remains isolated: other political forces refuse to form coalitions with it, adhering to a policy of the “Brandmauer” (firewall). At the same time, the AfD comfortably holds second place in national polls and is the largest opposition force in the country.
Party leaders are hoping to win 40% or more of the vote in the Saxony‑Anhalt elections on September 6, which could enable them to form a state government.
‘Extremely Dangerous Party’: Protest Actions
The protests were organised by the “Widersetzen” (Resistance) alliance. They were joined by trade unions, left‑wing parties, the Greens and other civil society organisations. Protesters sought to block delegates’ access to the congress venue at the Erfurt exhibition centre.
On the morning of July 4, demonstrators blocked several key transport arteries, including the A71 motorway and federal highways B7 and B4. Several blockades were reported in and around Erfurt: protesters blocked roads, tram lines and bridges.
Clashes with Police and Attacks
According to police, several hundred demonstrators were prepared for violent actions. During the protests, the regional AfD office in Erfurt was attacked: unknown individuals used pyrotechnics and bags of paint. Police officers were also injured.
Police used batons and pepper spray. At the same time, according to authorities, the situation remained relatively calm. The congress was deemed to have taken place: enough delegates were able to reach the exhibition centre.
The re‑election of Weidel and Chrupalla consolidated the positions of the AfD’s current leadership. However, the congress in Erfurt once again demonstrated the deep divide in German society: the party enjoys growing support, but its success provokes fierce resistance from anti‑fascist forces.
