German Police Warn of Violent Left-Wing Extremists at AfD Congress in Erfurt
German authorities are preparing for massive security operations ahead of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) federal party congress in Erfurt, scheduled for early July 2026. Police expect over 50,000 counter-demonstrators, including up to 2,500 left-wing extremists classified as willing to commit violence. Concerns include blockades, clashes, and police force shortages. The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of the NSDAP party congress, further fueling opposition. Thousands of officers will be deployed from across Germany.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
After Failed AfD Congress Blockade, Activists Warn CDU and BSW; Wagenknecht Accuses Double Standards
Following the failed blockade of the AfD party congress in Erfurt, the activist alliance 'Widersetzen' has threatened to target the CDU and BSW if they help the AfD come to power. The alliance refused to condemn attacks on journalists from right-wing or AfD-affiliated media. BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht accused the activists of double standards, arguing that the current federal government's policies violate the Basic Law more than the AfD. The AfD congress saw leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla confirmed with 81.3% and 70% of votes respectively. Police reported 31,000 protesters, while organizers claimed 50,000. The protests were described as predominantly peaceful despite some incidents.
Nachrichten - WELTAfD Suspends 2029 Party Congress Citing Super Election Year; Observers Criticize Police Deployment at Erfurt Conference
On the second day of the AfD federal party conference in Erfurt, delegates voted to suspend the party's annual convention requirement for 2029, citing a 'super election year' with federal, European, and multiple state elections that would strain financial, personnel, and logistical resources. The conference also approved a rule change allowing larger state associations (8,000+ members) to hold delegate conferences instead of membership conferences. Police reported 31,000 protesters on the first day, with 48 criminal offenses and 11 administrative offenses recorded, including attempts to break through barriers. Demonstration observers from the Committee for Basic Rights and Democracy criticized the police operation as 'excessive deployment of resources' and 'oversized,' alleging intimidation of protesters and residents. They noted injuries mainly caused by a Thuringian police unit. The city plans to comment on the operation later. Party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were re-elected, with Chrupalla receiving 70% approval.
Nachrichten - WELTAfD Party Conference in Erfurt Nears End Amid Protests and Police Criticism
The second day of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) federal party conference in Erfurt is underway, with police reporting largely peaceful protests but registering 48 criminal offenses on the first day. Around 31,000 people protested against the conference. AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were re-elected to the party's dual leadership, with Chrupalla receiving 70% approval. On the second day, delegates discussed statute changes and internal regulations. Demonstration observers from the Committee for Fundamental Rights and Democracy criticized the police operation as excessive, alleging unnecessary escalations, extensive use of pepper spray and batons, and intimidation of protesters. The observers reported injuries caused by Thuringian police units. Meanwhile, the party also dealt with financial matters, including a candidate for federal auditor who joked about a 'fetish' for counting gold bars. A descendant of the Jewish Simson family spoke at a protest event, urging the AfD not to instrumentalize his family name.
Nachrichten - WELTAfD Party Congress in Erfurt: Police Report 48 Criminal Offenses During Protests
The first day of the AfD federal party conference in Erfurt ended with police reporting largely peaceful protests but 48 criminal offenses, including attempts to breach police barriers and attacks on police officers. Police estimated around 31,000 demonstrators, while organizers claimed 50,000. AfD co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were re-elected, with Weidel receiving more votes (70% approval from Chrupalla). Weidel commented on potential future cooperation with the CDU but ruled it out under current leadership. The party congress adjourned until Sunday to discuss constitutional issues and rules of procedure. Police expect a quiet night and expressed satisfaction with the operation.
Nachrichten - WELTAfD Leaders Re-elected as 31,000 Protesters Rally in Erfurt; Weidel Refuses Coalition with Merz's CDU
At the AfD federal party convention in Erfurt, co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were re-elected, with Weidel receiving more votes. Police reported approximately 31,000 counter-protesters, while organizers claimed 50,000. Weidel stated in a Phoenix interview that she sees no coalition options with the current CDU under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, citing personnel issues and a lack of willingness to implement reforms, though she left the door open for future cooperation after potential CDU leadership changes. The protests included minor skirmishes, pepper spray use, and attacks on reporters and police. Federal police arrested four individuals carrying batons, pyrotechnics, and disguises. A prank involving the 'Imperial March' theme was played during the convention, causing confusion.
Nachrichten - WELTFar-right Alternative for Germany re-elects leaders as protesters clash with police
On July 4, 2026, Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) held a national convention in Erfurt, overwhelmingly re-electing co-leaders Alice Weidel (81% of vote) and Tino Chrupalla (70%). The event drew massive protests, with police clashing with demonstrators; police reported 31,000 attendees at largely peaceful rallies. The convention coincided with the 100-year anniversary of a Nazi Party meeting that consolidated Hitler's power, drawing criticism from historians and political opponents. AfD has become Germany's biggest opposition party nationally and the strongest political force in the former communist east, winning 20.8% in the February 2025 election. Mainstream parties maintain a 'firewall' against cooperating with AfD, while some call for the party to be banned.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Protests Against AfD Party Congress: Being a Fascist Means Getting Up Early
On July 4, 2026, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) held its federal party conference in Erfurt, Germany. Despite widespread blockades organized by the Widersetzen alliance, the party managed to start on time by having delegates arrive overnight or stay at the venue hotel. Police reported 31,000 protesters, while organizers claimed over 50,000, including 17,000 blockade participants, making it the largest protest ever against an AfD conference. The commentary argues that while the blockades failed to delay the event, they succeeded in demonstrating broad, socially anchored resistance. Activists adhered to non-violent civil disobedience, with zero arrests reported. The protests included over 70 events organized by the union-backed alliance Zusammenstehen, and received widespread sympathy from local residents. The author views the protests as a success in showing anti-fascist civil disobedience is legitimate and deeply rooted in civil society, particularly in East Germany, ahead of upcoming elections in Saxony-Anhalt.
taz.de - taz.deGreens Politician Defends Peaceful Protests Against AfD Party Congress in Erfurt
Katrin Göring-Eckardt, a prominent Greens politician, commented on the protests against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party congress held in Erfurt. She emphasized the critical importance of peaceful demonstrations as a democratic right, stating, 'We will not let ourselves be deprived of this peaceful demonstration.' Göring-Eckardt also addressed the possibility of initiating a ban procedure against the AfD, framing the protests and legal actions as necessary measures to defend German democracy. Her remarks underscore ongoing tensions between mainstream parties and the far-right AfD, highlighting the broader debate over democratic norms and political extremism in Germany.
Nachrichten - WELTAfD Party Congress in Erfurt: Weidel and Chrupalla Re-elected, Star Wars Music Incident, and Arrests Reported
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) held its federal party congress in Erfurt on July 4, 2026, amid large-scale protests. Over 25,000 protesters gathered, with police expecting up to 2,500 violent left-wing extremists. Federal police arrested two men and two women for carrying weapons (Kubotan, batons), pyrotechnics, and disguises. Inside the congress, party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were re-elected as co-chairs, with Weidel receiving 81% and Chrupalla 70.05% of the vote. The deputy chair positions were completely replaced, with Stefan Möller (a confidant of Björn Höcke) winning the best result at 76.5%. A notable incident occurred when the 'Imperial March' from Star Wars was played over hidden Bluetooth speakers in the hall, causing confusion and irritation among delegates. The planned blockades of the congress by protesters failed.
Nachrichten - WELTTino Chrupalla Re-elected as AfD Co-Chairman with 70.05% of Votes at Erfurt Party Conference
At the Alternative for Germany (AfD) federal party conference in Erfurt, Tino Chrupalla was re-elected as co-chairman with 70.05% of the delegate votes, a decrease from 82.7% two years ago. Co-chair Alice Weidel was also due for re-election later in the day. The event drew tens of thousands of counter-demonstrators, with police preparing for up to 2,500 potentially violent left-wing extremists. Protests included a sit-in blockade at Gothaer Platz, supported by DGB chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi and former Thuringian Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow. An incident was reported where reporters from the online platform 'Apollo News' were allegedly attacked by Antifa demonstrators, though police provided limited details. Additionally, CDU top candidate Sven Schulze accused the AfD of avoiding a TV debate ahead of the Saxony-Anhalt state election, a claim denied by AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund.
Nachrichten - WELTAfD Leader Weidel Declares Party 'New People's Party' at Erfurt Conference
At the AfD federal party conference in Erfurt, leader Alice Weidel proclaimed the party as the 'new people's party' and accused the CDU of 'pursuing policies against Germans.' The conference, attended by 569 delegates, focuses on re-electing party leadership amid large counter-protests. Police anticipate up to 2,500 violent left-wing extremists among tens of thousands of demonstrators. Weidel highlighted membership growth from 50,000 to 75,000, aiming to break 100,000. Thuringian leader Björn Höcke declared the political 'firewall' against the AfD a failure, claiming the party is on a 'victorious path.' The outgoing executive board was discharged without opposition. The event underscores the AfD's rising poll numbers and its claim to be a mainstream political force in Germany.
Nachrichten - WELTHöcke Calls Protesters 'Soul-Wounded' as First Highway Blockade Dissolves at AfD Party Conference
Tens of thousands of counter-demonstrators are expected in Erfurt for the AfD federal party conference. The police anticipate up to 2,500 violent left-wing extremists among protesters. The AfD is re-electing its party leadership with 600 members. Key developments include: Tino Chrupalla's opening speech attacking Antifa and claiming the party's 'firewall' has failed; Alice Weidel's defiant response to critics; Björn Höcke calling demonstrators 'soul-wounded' and declaring the political firewall against the AfD has failed; a blockade of the A71 highway dissolving as activists leave under police escort; and crowd dynamics at Gothaer Platz where anti-AfD demonstrators shout 'He is a Nazi' and chase perceived opponents. The conference focuses on re-electing party leaders Weidel and Chrupalla, along with deputies and board members.
Nachrichten - WELTAfD Party Congress Begins on Time Despite Failed Blockade by Tens of Thousands of Protesters in Erfurt
On July 4, 2026, the AfD (Alternative for Germany) federal party conference in Erfurt began on schedule despite large-scale protests. Tens of thousands of counter-demonstrators, estimated by police at around 20,000, gathered to block access routes and voice opposition. Police reported up to 2,500 potentially violent left-wing extremists among the protesters, with some using pyrotechnics. A Thuringian court overturned a pre-emptive assembly ban on certain access routes, ruling in favor of a Green Party politician. The AfD, aiming to re-elect its leadership including party leaders Chrupalla and Weidel, described itself as the "new people's party." Despite blockade attempts, delegates arrived in the hall with police escort, and the conference started on time. The "Widersetzen" alliance claimed the protest was a success for building an antifascist movement.
Nachrichten - WELTAfD Federal Party Congress Begins Amid Mass Protests in Erfurt
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) began its federal party congress in Erfurt on July 4, 2026, with party co-chair Tino Chrupalla opening the event and stating, 'Maybe soon we’ll be able to govern alone.' Tens of thousands of counter-demonstrators gathered to protest the party, with police reporting around 20,000 participants. Authorities prepared for up to 2,500 violent left-wing extremists. A Thuringian court overturned an assembly ban on certain access routes just before the congress started. The AfD plans to re-elect its leadership, including co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, along with deputies and board members. The protest alliance 'Widersetzen' declared the demonstration a success, having blocked central access routes. Isolated scuffles between demonstrators and police were reported, and some protesters carried pyrotechnics. Thousands of police officers were deployed to secure the event.
Nachrichten - WELTAfD Party Congress in Erfurt: Massive Protests, Police Escort Delegates Amid Court Rulings
Tens of thousands of counter-demonstrators are gathering in Erfurt, Germany, for the AfD federal party congress this weekend. Police are preparing for up to 2,500 potentially violent left-wing extremists. The AfD is set to re-elect its party leadership, including co-leaders and board members, with 600 delegates. A Thuringian court overturned an assembly ban on certain access routes to the venue, but the city of Erfurt appealed, keeping the ban in effect for now. Police have escorted AfD delegate buses to the exhibition grounds, while demonstrators have occupied squares, blocked roads, and glued themselves to tram tracks, disrupting city traffic. Over 200 buses carrying protesters have arrived. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 AM on Saturday.
Nachrichten - WELTPolice Report 69 Offenses Before AfD Party Congress in Erfurt as Protests Begin
On July 3, 2026, police in Erfurt reported 69 criminal offenses and 10 administrative offenses ahead of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) federal party congress scheduled for the weekend. The offenses primarily involve graffiti. Tens of thousands of counter-demonstrators are expected, with police preparing for up to 2,500 potentially violent left-wing extremists. The AfD will re-elect its party leadership, including co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, with 600 members. Initial counter-protests began, including a 'coffee chat' by 'Omas gegen Rechts 361' and a scientist gathering. Thuringia's former Minister-President Bodo Ramelow warned against violence and self-legitimized protest actions. Traffic restrictions are in effect, and public transport is disrupted. AfD MP Matthias Moosdorf denied reports of planning to challenge Weidel for party leadership.
Nachrichten - WELTProtest Wave Expected at AfD Conference Won't Harm Party, Analyst Says
Massive protests are anticipated at the Alternative for Germany (AfD) federal party conference in Erfurt on the weekend of July 3-4, 2026. Despite the scale of expected demonstrations, WELT political editor Frederik Schindler argues that the protests will not damage the party. He notes that large protests have occurred at every previous AfD conference, and the party has consistently used them to portray itself as a victim, a narrative that strengthens its support base. The article, published by Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH, frames the upcoming event as a recurring political dynamic rather than a threat to the AfD's standing.
Nachrichten - WELTProtests Against AfD Party Congress Described as Attack on Democracy
German police anticipate up to 2,500 militant left-wing extremists to arrive for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) federal party conference in Erfurt, with massive blockade actions expected. WELT chief reporter Anna Schneider argues that these protests are not an attack on the AfD specifically, but rather an attack on democracy itself. The article frames the demonstrations as a threat to democratic processes rather than legitimate political opposition. The event is scheduled for July 2, 2026, according to the publication timestamp.
Nachrichten - WELTFDP Politician Defends Protests at AfD Party Convention in Erfurt
The article reports that massive protests are anticipated at the Alternative for Germany (AfD) federal party convention scheduled in Erfurt. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a leading figure from the Free Democratic Party (FDP), stated on the WELT program 'The Voice in the Morning' that it is permissible for citizens to respond when anti-democratic activities occur and when people are incited against others. Her comments frame the expected demonstrations as a legitimate democratic reaction, directly linking public protest to the defense of democratic norms against what she characterizes as anti-democratic work by the AfD. The report highlights the heightened political tensions surrounding the far-right party's internal conference.
Nachrichten - WELTLeft-Wing Groups Plan Protests Against AfD Party Congress in Erfurt
Left-wing parties and groups have called for protests against the AfD party congress scheduled for July 4 and 5 in Erfurt. German police anticipate up to 50,000 demonstrators and are preparing for potential unrest. Columnist Jan Fleischhauer criticized the protests, stating they reflect 'terrible intellectual laziness' on the left, and noted that the AfD has become a rallying point for opposition. The protests highlight ongoing political polarization in Germany.
Nachrichten - WELT