AfD obraduje. Masowe protesty i blokady w niemieckim Erfurcie

Thousands of people blocked roads leading to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) congress, which was held to commemorate the first NSDAP convention. The event took place in Erfurt, a city in the German state of Thuringia, where the AfD has been gaining momentum in recent political developments. This gathering marked a significant moment for the right-wing populist party as it aimed to solidify its position ahead of upcoming regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, scheduled for September.

The protests against the AfD's congress were extensive, with up to 25,000 individuals participating in demonstrations and road blockades around the area. These actions created significant disruptions to traffic on major highways and local streets. According to reports from local police, there were instances of clashes between protesters and law enforcement, during which pepper spray was used. Additionally, the AfD’s headquarters and officials faced attacks involving pyrotechnics and paint-filled balloons. The situation escalated when two journalists were injured after being attacked with bottles, prompting an investigation into the incident. Details about the attack were shared by Max Mannhart, editor-in-chief of the Apollo News service, who described how the reporters were chased by a group of people, knocked down, and subjected to physical abuse before police arrived to intervene.

Despite these challenges, the AfD congress proceeded as planned, beginning on schedule despite some temporary road closures caused by the demonstrators. Over 600 delegates attended the event, many arriving two hours early. During his opening remarks, Tino Chrupalla, one of the party's co-leaders, expressed confidence that the AfD might soon be able to govern independently. He commented on the efforts made by left-wing groups to disrupt the congress, stating that “those who rise early are blessed by God,” while also noting that “the anti-fascists from Antifa slept through their disruptive action.”

The two-day congress resulted in the election of new leadership for the AfD. As anticipated, Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel retained their positions as co-leaders of the party. Weidel received 81 percent of the votes from the delegates, while Chrupalla secured 70 percent. Weidel, a 47-year-old economist and prominent figure within the AfD, had previously run as the candidate for chancellor in the 2025 federal elections. She emphasized the party's growing strength, stating that they would continue to become stronger and larger. Currently, the AfD has approximately 75,000 members, representing an increase of around 25,000 compared to the previous year. Weidel outlined the party's goal of reaching 100,000 members.

The political landscape in Germany has seen increasing polarization, particularly with the AfD's rising influence. Regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania are crucial for the party, as they could potentially gain control over these regions. The AfD has been performing well in polls and is viewed as a serious contender in these elections. The party's strategy involves leveraging public discontent with mainstream politics, focusing on issues such as immigration, economic concerns, and national identity. The congress served as a platform for reaffirming the party's direction and strengthening its internal cohesion.

As the AfD continues to grow in support, the implications for German politics remain uncertain. The party faces opposition from both the left and center-right factions, who view its policies as extreme and divisive. However, the AfD remains committed to its agenda, aiming to expand its influence further. With upcoming elections on the horizon, the party's ability to maintain its current trajectory will depend on its capacity to address public concerns effectively and manage internal dynamics successfully.