Thousands protest in Erfurt as far-right AfD holds congress on Nazi anniversary

Protests and blockades

Thousands of protesters gathered in Erfurt, with police estimating 15,000 to 20,000 participants. Over 200 buses brought demonstrators from across Germany. Protesters blocked the A71 motorway near Erfurter Kreuz, displaying banners reading "No peace with AfD". The highway blockade caused temporary restrictions between Halle and Suhl, though the A4 remained unaffected. Marchers also occupied major roads and squares, including Gothaer Platz, where more than 1,000 people assembled. Police reported minor incidents, including pyrotechnics and paint attacks on an AfD office and officers on a southern boulevard, but the demonstrations were largely peaceful.

Legal battle over demonstration bans

Police had banned demonstrations on several access routes around the conference venue after the city of Erfurt appealed a court ruling that had lifted restrictions. The Weimar Administrative Court initially sided with a local Green politician who challenged the ban, but the Higher Administrative Court is now hearing the appeal. Authorities say the ban remains in effect pending the ruling. Despite the legal uncertainty, protesters proceeded with blockades, and police did not immediately enforce the ban on the gathered crowds.

AfD conference proceeds

The AfD federal congress began on schedule at 10:00 a.m. local time. By 7:30 a.m., 540 of the roughly 600 delegates had already arrived at the exhibition hall, many escorted by police buses through the protests. The party plans to re-elect co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla for another two-year term and to project unity ahead of regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt this autumn, where the AfD hopes to lead a state government for the first time.

They are protesting against the democratic decision-making process. I think they are the only ones who own democracy.

Controversy over Nazi anniversary

The congress has drawn extra scrutiny because it falls on the 100th anniversary of a Nazi party meeting held near Weimar that consolidated Adolf Hitler's power. Historians and political opponents say the timing carries strong symbolic weight, an accusation the AfD rejects as coincidence. Mayor Andreas Horn urged calm, stating that while expressing opinions is legitimate, violence and vandalism are not.

Expressing opinions is legitimate... violence and vandalism are not.

Political context

The AfD has become Germany's largest opposition party after its best post-war result in last year's federal election. It now leads national polls, fueled by voter frustration over economic stagnation and migration. The party is focusing on the autumn state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where it could potentially form a regional government. The protests reflect the deep polarization the party continues to generate, even as its political influence grows.