Thousands Protest AfD Congress in Erfurt, But Meeting Proceeds Unhindered

Around 25,000 demonstrators protested the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party congress in Erfurt, Thuringia, on Saturday. While protesters attempted to block access routes with sit-ins and road blockades, they did not prevent the congress from taking place. Police reported that AfD delegates were able to reach the venue with only minor obstacles, unlike at a previous congress in Essen in 2024 where protests caused delays.

“

This is how things are when one is used to sleeping late while working citizens get up every day to go to work.

To circumvent the demonstrations, many delegates arrived several hours before the official 10:00 a.m. start time. The protests, organized by the alliance "Widersetzen" (Disobey), trade unions, and parties including The Left and the Greens, began early in the morning. The Thuringia police had prepared for a larger turnout, estimating between 35,000 and 50,000 participants, and had internally warned of the potential presence of up to 2,500 left-wing extremists prepared to use violence. Despite some interventions involving batons and pepper spray, police reported no arrests related to the protests.

Opening the congress, AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla, who is seeking re-election, mocked the "antifa" protesters. He stated, "This is how things are when one is used to sleeping late while working citizens get up every day to go to work." Chrupalla expressed hope for a peaceful continuation of the day, aiming to send a signal for Germany and demonstrate that "Germany's time with the Alternative for Germany begins today."

“

We expect, and I personally also expect, that the day continues to be peaceful, so that we can send a signal from here for Germany and show that Germany's time with the Alternative for Germany begins today.

Chrupalla also criticized the "cordon sanitaire" imposed by other German parties on the AfD. He argued that since the AfD became the leading party with 32.8% of the vote in Thuringia two years ago, under the leadership of Björn Höcke, who represents the party's more radical wing, they "should be governing." He reminded attendees that state elections are scheduled for the autumn in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin. AfD currently leads in polls for the first two states with 41% and 35% respectively, and is projected to gain 18% in Berlin.

“

should be governing