Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the eastern German city of Erfurt on Saturday to protest the annual congress of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), disrupting traffic and public transport as delegates arrived for the event.
Police estimated that around 20,000 people took part in the demonstrations across the city in the state of Thuringia. Protesters blocked key access roads, staged sit-ins and attempted to prevent delegates from reaching the conference venue. Despite the disruptions, the party’s congress began as scheduled.
The demonstrations were organised by an alliance of activist groups opposed to the AfD, which has climbed to the top of national opinion polls ahead of key regional elections.
Many protesters said they wanted to send a message against the growing influence of the party, accusing it of promoting extremist views and threatening Germany’s democratic values. Some also renewed calls for the government to ban the AfD.
Although the protests were largely peaceful, minor clashes were reported between demonstrators and the thousands of police officers deployed to secure the event. German media reported that authorities had prepared for the possibility of violence after intelligence suggested some protesters could engage in confrontations.
The timing of the party congress also drew criticism, as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of a Nazi-era gathering in nearby Weimar. Opponents accused the AfD of deliberately choosing the date, an allegation the party has denied.
Addressing party members at the opening of the congress, AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla criticised the protesters, claiming they had been mobilised by Germany’s political establishment. He argued that attempts to disrupt the event were an attack on democratic processes.
The AfD continues to gain political momentum despite widespread opposition from Germany’s mainstream parties, which have ruled out cooperating with it.
The party has positioned itself as a conservative alternative, arguing it represents voters dissatisfied with the current government. Critics, however, have repeatedly accused some of its members of downplaying Nazi crimes and maintaining links to far-right extremist groups.
The congress comes as Germany prepares for important state elections later this year. Opinion polls suggest the AfD could make major gains in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, while nationwide surveys continue to rank the party among the country’s strongest political forces.
Political analysts say frustration over the government’s performance has contributed significantly to the AfD’s growing support, even among voters who do not identify with far-right ideology.
According to AFP, the protests reflect continuing concerns among many Germans about the rise of far-right politics in a country still shaped by the legacy of its Nazi past.
