Thousands of protesters gathered in Erfurt, Germany, on Saturday to disrupt the national convention of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Clashes erupted between some demonstrators and police in riot gear outside the venue.
The AfD convention, held biannually, aimed to elect the party's leaders. Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, who have jointly led the party for the past four years, sought to extend their terms. The demonstrations highlight the divisions the AfD has created within Germany, even as it holds the position of the nation's largest opposition party.
The timing of the convention also drew criticism, as it coincided with the 100-year anniversary of a Nazi Party meeting held nearby that solidified Adolf Hitler's leadership within the fascist movement. While historians and political opponents pointed to the symbolic significance of the date, the AfD rejected the accusation.
AfD's recent remarks, including Weidel's statement that "2026 is a year of destiny for AfD," signal the party's ambitions. Despite a standing commitment from mainstream parties not to form coalitions with the AfD, often referred to as a "firewall," the party has been capitalizing on public dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the economy.
Initially rising to prominence in the mid-2010s by focusing on curbing migration, the AfD has become adept at mobilizing discontent over a wider range of issues. The party is looking to secure a significant victory in the upcoming Sept. 6 state election in Saxony-Anhalt, aiming for 40% or more of the vote. Such a result could position the AfD to potentially achieve an absolute majority or attract defectors from other parties, paving the way for its first state governor.