Thousands of people protested across the eastern German city of Erfurt as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) held its annual conference, highlighting growing political divisions ahead of key regional elections. Demonstrators blocked major roads leading to the venue while the party re-elected its leadership and intensified its campaign to expand political influence across Germany. Police estimated that around 15,000 people participated in demonstrations supported by unions, civil society organizations, and left-wing political groups.
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Authorities deployed large numbers of police officers, including reinforcements from across the country, to maintain order during the two-day conference. Protesters sat across highways and access roads in an effort to disrupt the gathering, while officers in riot gear monitored the demonstrations. Despite the protests, delegates proceeded with the conference and re-elected party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla without opposition, extending the leadership that has overseen the party’s steady rise in national opinion polls.
Addressing party members, Weidel and Chrupalla dismissed the demonstrations and accused their political opponents of failing to address Germany’s major challenges. Weidel argued that increasing public support reflected growing dissatisfaction with mainstream parties and called for stronger action on immigration and national identity. Meanwhile, Chrupalla declared that the AfD aims to form regional governments before eventually seeking power at the national level.
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The conference comes ahead of regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern this September, contests the AfD views as important stepping stones toward broader electoral success. Opinion polls currently place the party ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative alliance, reflecting rising support, particularly in eastern Germany where many voters remain frustrated by economic challenges and dissatisfaction with traditional political parties.
However, the AfD continues to face strong criticism from opponents, who accuse the party of promoting policies that undermine Germany’s democratic values and constitutional principles. Mainstream political parties have maintained a “firewall” strategy, refusing to cooperate with the AfD in coalition governments despite its growing electoral strength. Party leaders reject accusations of extremism and continue to present themselves as a democratic alternative focused on immigration, security, and economic reform.