Tens of thousands demonstrate in Erfurt against AfD party congress

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Erfurt, Germany, early Saturday morning to protest the congress of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Chants of "Nazis raus, Nazis raus" (Nazis out, Nazis out) echoed across the Gothaer Platz as thousands of protesters assembled before marching towards the Messe Erfurt, the venue for the AfD's federal congress.

The AfD is convening its congress to elect a new federal board, aiming to present a united front ahead of crucial elections in the autumn. Despite the significant opposition, attempts by protesters to block access to the congress venue were reported as ineffective.

The large demonstration highlights the ongoing societal divisions and strong opposition faced by the AfD, a right-wing populist party, in Germany. The protests underscore the contentious nature of the party's platform and its role in the current political landscape.