Erfurt: Thousands of people took to the streets of the eastern German city of Erfurt on Saturday to protest against the far right Alternative for Germany party as it began a major national convention.
The demonstrations brought together trade union members, civil society groups, political activists and ordinary citizens concerned about the growing influence of the AfD in German politics. Protesters gathered at several locations around the city and some groups attempted to block roads leading to the convention venue.
Police deployed a large security operation in Erfurt, with officers brought in from different parts of Germany. Authorities had prepared for tens of thousands of protesters during the weekend, as opposition groups called for a strong public response to the AfD gathering.
The protests come at an important moment for German politics. The AfD has grown into the largest opposition party in the country and is hoping to turn its increasing popularity into political power. Its support is particularly strong in parts of eastern Germany, where upcoming state elections could give the party an opportunity to achieve major electoral gains.
The situation in Saxony Anhalt is being closely watched. The AfD hopes to achieve a strong result there, which could increase pressure on other political parties and raise questions about whether the party could eventually enter a state government. Such a development would mark an important change in German politics, where established parties have so far largely refused to cooperate with the AfD.
Inside the convention, party leaders are expected to focus on unity and preparations for future elections. The party is led by Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, who have sought to strengthen the AfD's position as a major national political force.
The timing of the convention has also attracted criticism. The gathering comes 100 years after a Nazi Party conference held in 1926, an event associated with Adolf Hitler's consolidation of power within the Nazi movement. Critics have questioned the symbolism of holding the AfD meeting at this time, while the party has denied that the date was chosen because of the historical anniversary.
Beyond domestic politics, the AfD's position on Germany's relationship with Russia has also drawn attention. Weidel recently called for the restoration of German and Russian economic relations and supported the return of Russian energy imports. The issue remains highly controversial because of the war in Ukraine and Germany's efforts to reduce its previous dependence on Russian energy.
The AfD has also been involved in a continuing legal dispute concerning its treatment by Germany's domestic intelligence authorities. Earlier this year, a German court temporarily prevented the intelligence agency from treating the party as an extremist organisation while the wider legal dispute continues.
For many of those protesting in Erfurt, however, the weekend was about more than legal arguments or party politics. Demonstrators said they wanted to defend democratic values and show that the growth of the far right would face strong public resistance.
The atmosphere around the convention reflects the deep political divisions now shaping Germany. While the AfD has attracted voters who are frustrated with established political parties, immigration policies, economic pressures and the cost of living, its critics fear that its continued rise could change the direction of the country.
The protests in Erfurt show that the AfD's growing electoral strength is being met by organised opposition on the streets. As Germany moves towards important regional elections and, in the longer term, the 2029 federal election, the struggle over the country's political future is likely to become even more intense.
For the AfD, the convention is an opportunity to present itself as a party ready for greater political power. For the thousands of people demonstrating outside, it is a moment to send the opposite message: that the party's rise will continue to face resistance from those who believe Germany's democratic future is at stake.