Tens of thousands of far-left protesters clashed with police in Erfurt, Germany, during a demonstration against the conservative Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s conference.
On Saturday, the city of Erfurt was the scene of significant unrest as tens of thousands of far-left protesters took to the streets to voice their opposition to the conservative Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Reports indicate that over 30,000 demonstrators participated in the protests, which coincided with the AfD’s party conference and leadership elections.
Videos from the event captured intense confrontations between protesters and law enforcement, with police employing batons and anti-riot measures to manage the crowd. Demonstrators were seen carrying signs with slogans such as “Stop AfD Nazis” and “For Diversity, Against Nazis,” highlighting their opposition to the party’s policies.
Despite the clashes, police characterized the demonstrations as “mostly peaceful.” They reported approximately 100 law violations, primarily related to graffiti, and emphasized that the situation was under control. However, the protests did disrupt the AfD’s internal proceedings, delaying the party’s vote on leadership.
During the conference, the AfD re-elected Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as co-leaders. Chrupalla expressed frustration over the protests, criticizing the methods used by demonstrators to express their dissent. “There are no peaceful seated blockades. There are no democratic roadblocks,” he stated, labeling the protesters as “troublemakers” and asserting that they were undermining democracy.
Chrupalla further claimed that the protesters believed they held a monopoly on democratic expression. “This democracy is just as much our democracy as it is yours,” he asserted, addressing the demonstrators directly.
A spokesperson for the local antifascist group widersetzen, which organized the protests, articulated the group’s intention to obstruct the AfD’s party convention. Lena Raupach, the spokesperson, condemned the AfD’s policies, describing them as fascist and accusing the party of failing to address real societal issues. “It pursues policies that benefit the rich, not ordinary citizens,” she said, advocating for a society that offers equal opportunities and security for all.
The AfD, which has faced accusations of extremism from various political factions, continues to assert that it is being unfairly targeted by mainstream parties. The party has seen a notable rise in popularity, capturing over 20% of the national vote in the 2025 federal elections and positioning itself to potentially gain even more support in future elections. Some polls currently rank the AfD as the most popular party in Germany.
Chrupalla expressed confidence in the party’s future, stating, “We will win. Maybe we’ll be able to govern alone soon. That would send the right message to the enemies of democracy out there who wanted to prevent our party convention from taking place.” The party’s alignment with the conservative movement associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump was evident at the conference, where attendees displayed merchandise reminiscent of Trump’s campaign, including hats emblazoned with “Make Germany Great Again.”
As tensions between the AfD and its opponents continue to escalate, the political landscape in Germany remains charged, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions. The protests in Erfurt reflect a broader struggle over the direction of German politics and the influence of far-right ideologies.
According to the Associated Press, the situation in Erfurt underscores the growing polarization within German society as the AfD’s popularity rises amid ongoing debates over immigration and national identity.