
High tensions and clashes between police and protesters accompanied the conference of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, where thousands of demonstrators tried to block delegates from entering the political event.
According to authorities, around 20,000 protesters gathered in the city of Erfurt in central Germany, blocking roads and key transport points in an attempt to prevent the party conference from taking place.
Police deployed a large force presence and reported sporadic incidents, including physical confrontations with groups of protesters who attempted to break through police cordons. Authorities said about 100 violations were recorded, mostly property damage and graffiti, while the protest was generally described as “mostly peaceful.”
Some protesters used blocking methods such as sitting on the road, climbing onto tram tracks and interfering with road infrastructure, while police intervened to open corridors for AfD delegates.
The party conference took place on a symbolic date, coinciding with the anniversary of a 1920 Nazi Party meeting in Weimar, which has sparked strong reactions from critics, who see the deliberate choice as a political provocation. The AfD has denied these accusations.
The event was also attended by officials and political figures from the opposing far-right camp, who joined the marches against the party, calling it a threat to democracy and calling for a "clear message against the shift to the far right."
The AfD conference went ahead as planned, with authorities saying most delegates arrived at the venue despite blockades and protests in the city.