AfD party convention ends amid protests, dual leadership confirmed

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has concluded its convention in Erfurt, where delegates deliberated on changes to the party's statutes and internal regulations. The meeting took place amid widespread protests, with tens of thousands demonstrating against the AfD's gathering.

Protest organizers from the alliance "Widersetzen" declared the demonstrations a success, claiming they achieved "the biggest blockades we have ever put on." They reported approximately 50,000 participants, including 17,000 involved in blockades. However, police figures indicated a total of around 31,000 people. Many AfD delegates arrived early, escorted by police buses, to bypass the protests and reach the convention venue on time.

AfD leader Tino Chrupalla opened the convention with a taunt directed at protesters, stating, "The early bird catches the worm... the rioters from Antifa overslept their own disruption maneuver." The police deployed thousands of officers from across Germany, supported by the federal police with water cannons, to manage the security operation around the convention.

On the second day, delegates focused on internal matters such as membership application processes, party dues, and the organization of party conventions. Significant controversies were avoided as the party's primary focus is on the upcoming state elections in eastern Germany. The AfD hopes for its first participation in state governments and aims to present a united front. Co-chair Alice Weidel expressed her view that a potential government participation would "immediately lead to a normalization of our party."

The party also resolved to maintain its dual leadership structure for the next two years, re-electing Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla. A decision on a single leadership position was postponed to a later date. Delegates also quickly addressed and approved a motion to amend the so-called incompatibility list, which dictates rules for members holding certain other positions.