Lead

Tens of thousands of demonstrators converged on the eastern German city of Erfurt on Saturday to protest the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as it held its annual conference, with police reporting clashes and the use of batons as protesters attempted to block roads and disrupt the event. Despite the disruptions, the party's congress opened on time and re-elected Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as co-leaders.

Coverage comparison

Reports varied on the size and intensity of the protests. Police estimates ranged from about 15,000 to 31,000 participants, with some outlets, including Fox News — World, citing over 30,000 attendees, while Deutsche Welle noted that police had expected up to 50,000 protesters. Organizers put the figure at more than 50,000, as reported by France 24 — English. Protesters from unions, civil society groups, and left-wing parties gathered in the city center, and several outlets described blockades of roads leading to the conference venue, with some demonstrators abseiling from a motorway bridge and others staging sit-in blockades.

Police deployed in large numbers, including reinforcements from across Germany, and multiple outlets reported scuffles between protesters and officers. Fox News — World reported that police used batons and anti-riot ordnance, while The Guardian — World described riot police clashing with opponents and filming of baton use. Despite these clashes, several sources, including France 24 — English and The Guardian — World, cited police statements describing the demonstrations as "mostly peaceful," with just under 100 offenses recorded, many related to graffiti.

Key claims

  • Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Erfurt to oppose the AfD, with police estimates ranging from about 15,000 to 31,000, and organizers claiming more than 50,000, as reported by multiple outlets.
  • Protesters blocked roads and disrupted public transport, with some abseiling from a motorway bridge and others staging sit-in blockades, according to reports from Al Jazeera, Dawn, Deutsche Welle, France 24 — English, RFI — English, South China Morning Post, and The Guardian — World.
  • Police clashed with protesters, using batons and anti-riot ordnance, as reported by Fox News — World and The Guardian — World.
  • The AfD party conference was held in Erfurt and began on time, with 540 delegates reaching the venue, according to a party spokesperson cited by The Guardian — World.
  • Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were re-elected as party co-leaders, with Weidel receiving 81% of the vote and Chrupalla 70%, as reported by The Hindu — World.
  • The conference coincided with the 100th anniversary of a Nazi Party meeting in nearby Weimar, a timing that has drawn criticism, though the AfD rejects the link, as reported by Al Jazeera and The Guardian — World.
  • The AfD has experienced a surge in popularity, securing 20.8% of the vote in the February 2025 national election and topping recent opinion polls, according to reports from France 24 — English and The Hindu — World.
  • Tino Chrupalla accused protesters of acting anti-democratically, stating, "There are no peaceful seated blockades. There are no democratic roadblocks. Nor are there any gangs of thugs who deserve the harmless label civil society," as quoted by The Hindu — World and Fox News — World.

Perspectives

Protesters

Protesters, including unions, civil society groups, and left-wing parties, expressed concerns about the AfD's rise, with demonstrator Lene Krug telling AFP that the party is "anti-democratic" and "spreads hate," and Georg Becker of the anti-AfD group Widersetzen saying, "We want to make it clear that we simply won't tolerate this, that fascism is on the rise here in Germany." Some protesters called for a ban on the party, referencing Germany's Nazi past.

AfD leadership

AfD co-leaders rejected accusations of anti-democratic behavior, with Alice Weidel telling delegates, "We are the new people's party in Germany," and Tino Chrupalla dismissing protesters as "troublemakers" who are "the last resort of our political rivals." Chrupalla also said, "Perhaps we'll soon be able to govern on our own," referring to the party's electoral prospects.