German riot police clashed with opponents of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party on the streets of Erfurt, where thousands gathered to block roads and prevent AfD delegates from attending the party's biennial national conference. Police reported that 20,000 protesters were demonstrating in the eastern city.
Protesters Stage Sit-In Blockades
The protests were led by the 'Resistance' alliance, which staged sit-in blockades in the city centre in an attempt to prevent the AfD's approximately 600 delegates from reaching the conference grounds. Riot police were deployed to clear the streets and ensure delegates could access the venue.
Expected Re-election of Party Leadership
Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla are expected to be re-elected as the party's co-leaders during the conference. The event comes ahead of crucial regional elections in which the AfD could win power at state level for the first time. The party's rise has sparked widespread opposition, with many protesters expressing concern over its far-right policies.
According to police, the protests remained largely peaceful but escalated when some demonstrators attempted to break through police lines. Officers used batons and pepper spray to disperse crowds, resulting in several injuries and arrests. The situation was described as tense but under control by the end of the day.
