AfD Congress in Erfurt: 30,000 Protest, Leaders Re-elected

Massive Protests in Erfurt as AfD Holds Party Congress

More than 30,000 demonstrators gathered in the eastern German city of Erfurt on July 4, 2026, to protest the party congress of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Despite the massive turnout and attempts to block access roads, the congress proceeded as planned, and co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were overwhelmingly re-elected without opposition. The event highlighted the deep political divisions in Germany as the AfD continues to rise in opinion polls, now polling as the country's largest party.

The protests, organized by left-wing groups, trade unions, and civil society organizations, drew participants from 60 cities across Germany and Austria, with 250 buses bringing activists to Erfurt. The demonstrators aimed to disrupt the congress, which they view as a platform for fascism and xenophobia. Police deployed 6,000 officers to maintain order, and authorities expressed relief that the first day ended without major incidents, though two journalists were reportedly assaulted and treated in hospital.

AfD Leadership Re-elected Amid Growing Support

Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were re-elected as co-leaders of the AfD with an overwhelming majority, facing no challengers. Under their leadership, the AfD has surged in popularity, becoming the second-largest party in the Bundestag after the 2025 federal election with over 20% of the vote, and the largest opposition party. The party now trails only the CDU/CSU alliance (28%) and is ahead of the SPD (16%).

In her keynote speech, Weidel mocked the protesters, calling their actions anti-democratic, and sharply criticized the established political parties. "This is 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," she told delegates. The congress also featured a song titled "Send Them Back" played on the party's social media channels, underscoring the AfD's hardline stance on immigration and deportation.

The rise of far-right parties in Europe has been a growing concern for mainstream politicians, and the AfD's success is seen as part of a broader trend across the continent.

Police Response and Incident Reports

Police reported that the protests were largely peaceful, with around 100 legal infractions, mostly graffiti and property damage. However, some demonstrators broke through police cordons, prompting officers to use batons and pepper spray. The local AfD party office was splattered with paint, and fireworks were thrown at police lines. Authorities praised the overall handling of the situation, with Thuringia's interior minister Georg Maier expressing relief and hoping for a similarly calm second day.

The German police response to political protests has drawn scrutiny in the past, but officials maintained that the operation was measured and effective.

Political Context and Future Implications

The AfD was founded in 2013 as a eurosceptic party but has since shifted sharply to the right, focusing on anti-immigration, anti-Islam, and nationalist rhetoric. In 2025, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution classified the AfD as a "confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor," though a court injunction in 2026 suspended this classification. The party remains strongest in eastern Germany, particularly in Saxony and Thuringia, where the congress was held.

With the next federal election approaching, the AfD hopes to capitalize on public discontent with the government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The party's growing influence has sparked widespread concern both domestically and internationally. The impact of AfD policies on German immigration continues to be a hotly debated topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were people protesting the AfD congress?

Protesters oppose the AfD's far-right, anti-immigration, and nationalist policies, which they consider fascist and xenophobic. They aimed to disrupt the congress to prevent the party from advancing its agenda.

How many people attended the protests?

Police reported over 30,000 demonstrators in Erfurt, with participants arriving from 60 cities across Germany and Austria.

Were there any violent incidents?

Most protests were peaceful, but around 100 infractions occurred, including graffiti, paint attacks, and fireworks. Two journalists were assaulted and hospitalized. Police used batons and pepper spray against some demonstrators who broke through cordons.

What does the AfD stand for?

The AfD (Alternative for Germany) is a far-right, right-wing populist party that opposes immigration, Islam, and the European Union. It advocates for nationalist and conservative policies and has been classified by German intelligence as a suspected extremist organization.

What is the AfD's current political standing?

After the 2025 federal election, the AfD became the second-largest party in the Bundestag with over 20% of the vote, making it the largest opposition party. It polls as the most popular party in Germany as of mid-2026.

Sources

Information for this article was gathered from NOS, Reuters, AP News, Fox News, and Wikipedia. For further details, refer to the original NOS article: NOS: 30.000 betogers tegen partijdag AfD.