Protests Against AfD Party Congress in Erfurt Largely Peaceful

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Erfurt to protest the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party congress, with police stating the events concluded largely without major incidents. Authorities reported that approximately 31,000 people participated in various rallies and protest actions throughout the day, though organizing alliances like 'Zusammenstehen' and 'Widersetzen' claimed the number reached 50,000.

“

There were isolated clashes, but they were quickly ended by emergency services.

While the majority of the protests remained peaceful, police noted isolated minor confrontations that were quickly contained. In total, 48 criminal offenses and 11 administrative offenses were registered. The police prevented attempts to breach a security cordon and attack officers. Investigations were initiated following reports of minor injuries to activists and media representatives during isolated incidents.

One news portal, Apollo News, reported that its reporting team was attacked, with its editor-in-chief stating on X that a staff member was kicked in the back of the head. Police could not immediately confirm this specific incident but acknowledged assaults, particularly against livestreamers, leading to minor injuries. Thousands of police officers from across Germany, supported by federal police, were deployed for the operation, utilizing horses and water cannons.

“

There were assaults, particularly on livestreamers.

Thuringia's Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) and Minister-President Mario Voigt (CDU) visited the police command center, describing the operation as having been meticulously planned over weeks. The AfD party congress itself began on schedule, while blockade actions called for by the 'Widersetzen' alliance saw nearly 10,000 participants, notably on the A71 autobahn, which was temporarily blocked at several points by thousands of people. Some individuals also rappelled from highway bridges.

“

There had been 'meticulous preparation' for weeks.