ERFURT — Tens of thousands of people gathered in the eastern German city of Erfurt to protest against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the party held its annual conference, with demonstrators seeking to oppose its growing political influence ahead of key regional elections.
Protesters from trade unions, civil society organizations, churches and left-wing groups marched through the city and staged road blockades around the convention venue on Saturday, while thousands of police officers from across Germany were deployed to maintain security. Police said demonstrations were largely peaceful despite isolated confrontations and disruptions.
Police estimated that about 31,000 people participated in protests across Erfurt, while organizers from the anti-AfD alliance Widersetzen (Resist) put attendance at at least 50,000. Authorities said delegates were able to reach the conference after many arrived several hours before proceedings began, allowing the meeting to start on schedule despite attempts to block access roads.
"We want to make it clear that we simply won't tolerate this, that fascism is on the rise here in Germany," Georg Becker, a spokesperson for the Widersetzen alliance, told Reuters during the demonstrations.
The AfD, which has gained support nationally and particularly in eastern Germany, used the two-day conference to reaffirm its leadership, with co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla re-elected by party delegates. The party has increasingly positioned itself to compete for power in upcoming state elections, including in Saxony-Anhalt, where opinion polls suggest it could emerge as the strongest political force.
Germany's mainstream parties continue to maintain a political "firewall" against cooperation with the AfD, arguing that the party's positions are incompatible with democratic principles. The AfD rejects accusations of extremism and says it represents voters dissatisfied with established parties, particularly on migration, energy policy and the economy.
Police reported several criminal investigations linked to the protests, including alleged assaults and property damage, and said a number of officers sustained minor injuries during operations. Authorities also examined complaints concerning isolated uses of force by police during efforts to clear blockades. Despite those incidents, officials described the overall security operation as largely successful.
The conference concluded with the AfD leadership reiterating its focus on forthcoming regional elections, while protest organizers said they would continue mobilizing against the party through future public demonstrations.
