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Tens of Thousands Protest AfD Conference in Erfurt as Police Clash with Demonstrators
Over 30,000 people demonstrated against the Alternative for Germany party during its leadership elections in Erfurt on Saturday. Police used batons and anti-riot ordnance after clashes occurred, recording about 100 violations mostly involving graffiti.
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Tens of thousands of protesters demonstrated in Erfurt, Germany on Saturday against the Alternative for Germany party during its party conference and leadership elections. Fox News reported that police recorded clashes and used batons and anti-riot ordnance against demonstrators. Police said over 30,000 people attended the demonstrations, according to the Associated Press.
Police recorded approximately 100 law violations, mostly graffiti. The protests delayed the AfD leadership vote. The party re-elected Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as co-leaders. Tino Chrupalla stated there are no peaceful seated blockades or democratic roadblocks and that these troublemakers are the last resort of political rivals.
He added that demonstrators believe they have a monopoly on democracy and that this democracy is just as much AfD's as it is theirs. A spokesperson for widersetzen said the group's intention was to block the party convention. Lena Raupach stated that the AfD pursues fascist policies including mass deportations and terror on the streets while benefiting the rich, and that widersetzen wants a society with equal opportunities based on solidarity.
AfD received over 20 percent of the national vote in the 2025 German federal elections. Chrupalla stated the party will win and may govern alone soon, sending a message to those who wanted to prevent the convention.
