Thousands protest AfD conference, party eyes power

Thousands of protesters converged on the eastern German city of Erfurt on Saturday, demonstrating against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and obstructing access to its annual conference. The demonstrations, involving unions, civil society groups, and left-wing parties, were met with a significant police presence. Protesters formed human chains to block roads leading to the convention center, with police estimating around 15,000 participants.

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For this remains our last chance to save our country. More and more people in this country want to support us in the fight against Germany’s decline, in the fight for our fatherland and for our identity.

Inside the conference, the AfD re-elected its co-leaders, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, who have presided over the party's surge in national opinion polls. In their opening speeches, the leaders criticized the protesters as anti-democratic and highlighted the party's growing support. Weidel stated, "For this remains our last chance to save our country," and emphasized a fight "for our fatherland and for our identity." The party's hard line on immigration was underscored by the playing of a song titled 'Send them back' and the sale of cards with slogans like "You will be deported."

Bjoern Hoecke, a prominent and controversial AfD leader, invoked nostalgia and criticism, using the state of Germany's public restrooms as an example of national decline. He painted a picture of a "great Germany" where citizens feel safe and secure.

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We will govern. First at a regional level, then at the national level.

The conference precedes regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in September, which the AfD hopes will be a stepping stone to national power. "We will govern. First at a regional level, then at the national level," Chrupalla declared, aiming to project party unity. While both leaders were re-elected unopposed, Chrupalla's support score of 70% was lower than his previous election.

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A great Germany is a Germany where one need not fear taking a walk through the city park in the evening. A great Germany is a country where apartment keys can be left hanging on the outside of the door.