Thousands of protesters gathered to disrupt the national convention of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on Saturday, resulting in clashes with law enforcement forces in riot gear outside the event. The AfD convened in the eastern city of Erfurt to elect its leaders, an event that occurs biennially across German political parties. The party aims to project unity while extending the leadership terms of Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, who have co-led the party for the past four years.
The demonstrations surrounding the convention underscore the division the AfD has created within German society, even as it remains the largest opposition party in the country. This weekend’s convention has garnered additional scrutiny due to its coinciding with the 100th anniversary of a Nazi Party meeting held nearby. This event significantly consolidated Adolf Hitler‘s influence in the fascist movement. Historians and political adversaries have highlighted the symbolic implications of this timing, a characterisation that the AfD rejects.
Weidel recently remarked that “2026 is a year of destiny for AfD.” Mainstream political parties have adopted a position known as a “firewall,” effectively refusing to collaborate with the AfD. Nevertheless, the party is leveraging widespread dissatisfaction with a government striving to reform the sluggish economy. It has adeptly addressed grievances that extend beyond its foundational focus on restricting immigration, which was central to its rise in the mid-2010s.
The AfD is aiming to capture 40% or more of the vote in the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt, scheduled for 6 September. Achieving this target could position the party for an absolute majority or enable it to attract defections from other political factions, potentially paving the way for its first state governor.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
