Germany divided: thousands protest as far-right AfD strengthens leadership

In the eastern German city of Erfurt, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) held on 4 July its annual party congress amid significant tension.

Over the weekend, thousands of demonstrators from trade unions, NGOs, and left-wing groups blocked roads leading to the convention center, protesting what they describe as the party’s extremist policies. Police estimates placed the number of participants at around 15,000 to 31,000 across various demonstrations in and around the city. Despite the disruptions, the event proceeded on schedule, highlighting the deep divisions within German society as the AfD continues its ascent as a major political force.

The congress opened with the re-election of the party’s co-leaders, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla. Weidel, a former Goldman Sachs analyst from western Germany, secured strong support, while Chrupalla, a trained painter and varnisher from Saxony in the east, received 70 percent, down from 81 percent two years earlier but still sufficient for unopposed victory. Under their joint leadership, the AfD has transformed from a fringe Eurosceptic group into Germany’s leading opposition party, capitalizing on widespread discontent with mainstream politics, economic stagnation, and immigration challenges.

Rising popularity and political ambitions

Recent polls show the AfD commanding up to 29 percent of voter support, surpassing Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance, lagging behind at approximately 22 percent. The party’s strongest backing comes from the former East Germany, where disillusionment with the traditional party system runs particularly high. This momentum builds on the AfD’s second-place finish in the February 2025 federal election, where it achieved 20.8 percent – the strongest result for a far-right party since World War II. Party officials now eye significant gains in upcoming state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in September, hoping these contests will serve as stepping stones to national influence.

Chrupalla struck a confident tone, declaring, “We will govern. First at the regional level, then at the national level.” The speeches at the congress emphasized unity and resilience against external pressure. Weidel addressed the protesters directly, framing the demonstrations as anti-democratic while positioning the AfD as the last bulwark against national decline. “This remains our last chance to save our country,” she stated. “More and more people in this country want to support us in the fight against Germany’s decline, in the fight for our homeland, and for our identity.”

The party’s hardline stance on immigration featured prominently throughout the event. Inside the venue, retro-style cards bearing slogans like “YOU WILL BE DEPORTED” were available for sale, and a song titled “Send them back” circulated on the party’s social media. Weidel reinforced this message: “There is no longer room in Germany for criminals and illegal immigrants. We will rigorously deport them because our country deserves better.” Björn Höcke, a prominent and controversial regional leader often viewed as one of the party’s more radical voices, evoked nostalgia mixed with criticism of current conditions. He pointed to issues like poorly maintained highway restrooms as symptoms of broader malaise, describing a “Greater Germany” where citizens could safely stroll in city parks at night or leave apartment keys hanging outside doors without fear.

Divisions deepen over democracy and the ‘Firewall’

The protests reflected intense opposition to the AfD’s rise. Demonstrators, organised in part by groups like the anti-fascist alliance Widersetzen, carried signs reading “Stop AfD Nazis” and “For Diversity, Against Nazis.” Some sat in rows to block highways, including the A71 near Gottstedt, leading to clashes with police in riot gear. Organisers accused the AfD of pursuing fascist policies, including mass deportations, while failing to address everyday concerns of ordinary citizens. “The AfD pursues policies that benefit the rich, not ordinary citizens,” said a spokesperson for the group. Party officials countered by hailing their right to assemble and dismissing the blockades as undemocratic tactics by political rivals.

Mainstream parties maintain a firm “firewall” strategy, refusing cooperation with the AfD to isolate it from coalition governments. Opponents argue that the party’s nationalist rhetoric and immigration positions threaten Germany’s constitutional order and promote attitudes incompatible with democratic values. The timing of the congress, coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of a nearby Nazi Party meeting that strengthened Adolf Hitler’s control, added further controversy, though the AfD rejected any symbolic connection.

The party has pushed back against accusations of extremism. Earlier this year, a court ordered Germany’s domestic intelligence agency to suspend its classification of the AfD as a “proven right-wing extremist” group while evaluating legal challenges. AfD leaders insist they uphold democratic principles and attribute the scrutiny to political weaponization by established parties. They also advocate for a reset in relations with Russia, opposing military aid to Ukraine and criticizing aspects of recent international conflicts.

Formed over a decade ago, the AfD blends calls for stricter border controls with appeals to voters frustrated by economic woes and cultural changes. Its leaders project an image of strength and renewal, drawing inspiration from figures like U.S. President Donald Trump, with some attendees even sporting “Make Germany Great Again” merchandise. As the party positions itself for potential governing roles at the state level, its success underscores shifting voter priorities in Germany, particularly in the east.

Yet the massive protests and entrenched opposition illustrate the challenges ahead. While the AfD celebrates its polling leads and internal cohesion, the “firewall” and public demonstrations signal that its path to broader power remains contested.

Sources: FocusEurope.pl, Deutsche Welle, Associated Press, Reuters

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Caption: Demonstrators gather to protest against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party holding its federal conference in Erfurt, Germany, 04 July 2026. The AfD will hold the 17th Federal Party Congress on 04 and 05 July. EPA/CHRISTOPH RUTENKOLK