Activists Campaign Against AfD Congress in Erfurt

Activists from the alliance "Widersetzen" are engaging in a door-to-door campaign in Erfurt, Germany, to rally opposition against the planned Alternative for Germany (AfD) party congress scheduled for early July. The group aims to visit 60,000 homes in the Thuringian state capital before the event.

During their outreach, activists like Michel Schlichtenberger and Lola Mehring report varied responses, from critical agreement to outright dismissal. "I find the AfD terrible," one woman told them, though she was undecided about participating in protests. Schlichtenberger noted that when they can engage people in conversation, they often find support for their anti-AfD stance. He also shared instances of being invited for coffee, which allowed for more in-depth discussions.

"Widersetzen" plans to employ civil disobedience to prevent AfD delegates from reaching the congress venue at the Erfurt trade fair grounds. The alliance emphasizes its commitment to non-violent methods, with Mehring stating, "We stand for a non-violent sit-in. We are not seeking confrontation with the police."

However, the AfD has strongly condemned the planned disruptions. Torben Braga, an AfD member of the Bundestag from Thuringia, has called for an investigation into the protest organizers for potential offenses such as breach of the peace and coercion. This follows a criminal complaint filed by AfD state parliament member Sascha Schlösser against "Widersetzen" officials, arguing that authorities should not ignore the announced blockade plans.