Large-scale protests against AfD take place in Erfurt during party conference

Large numbers of demonstrators gathered in the city of Erfurt, Germany, to voice their opposition to the Alternative for Germany party, commonly referred to as the AfD, during the course of its party conference. According to police estimates, the protests drew approximately 15,000 participants. These individuals came from a variety of organizations including trade unions, civil society groups, and left-wing political parties. As part of their demonstration, the protesters blocked multiple roads both inside and around the city limits.

Authorities maintained a heavy police presence throughout the area to manage the crowds and maintain public safety during the event. The demonstrations unfolded simultaneously with the holding of the AfD conference in Erfurt.

This timing meant that the protests occurred alongside the re-election of Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla in their roles as party leaders. Recent opinion polls have indicated rising support for the AfD, with the party now at 29 percent, surpassing the CDU/CSU which is at 22 percent.

Such poll numbers are significant as they come in the lead-up to state elections scheduled in eastern parts of Germany. The AfD conference included various slogans and messages that promoted the deportation of illegal immigrants and those with criminal convictions.

In a separate development, a court ruling issued earlier this year required Germany's domestic intelligence service to suspend the classification of the AfD as an extremist group.