Berlin, Germany – Thousands of people demonstrated in the German city of Erfurt against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, blocking roads leading to the venue of the party’s annual conference.
This comes ahead of regional elections in which the AfD hopes to pave the way for its first-ever rule in a German state.
Widespread protests and security measures
Members of labor unions, civil society organizations, and left-wing parties participated in the demonstrations.
Police deployed a large number of officers, reinforced by units from across Germany, to secure the two-day conference.
Protesters sat on highways and streets leading to the conference center, under the watchful eye of riot police.
They attempted to block access to the meeting. Police estimated the number of demonstrators in and around Erfurt at approximately 15,000.
Conference preceding important elections
The conference comes at a time when the party’s co-chairs, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupala, are expected to be re-elected.
This precedes upcoming elections in the eastern German states of Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The party hopes that the results of these elections will bolster its political standing and pave the way
for broader gains at the national level, following its steady rise in opinion polls in recent years.
Political division over the party
Opponents of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party accuse it of adopting racist positions and policies that contradict democratic values.
They warn that it poses a threat to the country’s constitutional order,
while mainstream parties continue to refuse to cooperate with it, maintaining what is known as the “border wall” policy.
In contrast, the party’s leaders deny these accusations and affirm their commitment to the democratic system.
Meanwhile, the AfD continues to gain popularity, capitalizing on issues of immigration and the economy.
It also benefits from the dissatisfaction of a segment of the electorate with the performance of successive governments.
