AfD Reelection and Protests in Erfurt
Delegates of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party convened in Erfurt, Germany, electing their leaders on Saturday amidst large-scale protests. Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were reelected, with Weidel receiving 81% of the vote and Chrupalla 70%. They continue as co-leaders for another term, having led the party for four years.
Protests outside the convention highlighted the division AfD has generated in Germany despite being the largest opposition party nationally, particularly strong in the country’s former communist regions. Approximately 31,000 protesters gathered, mostly peacefully, to express opposition to AfD, carrying signs such as “Stop AfD Nazis” and “For Diversity, Against Nazis.” Some demonstrators aimed to disrupt the meeting, which proceeded on schedule. Party officials emphasized their right to assemble.
The convention’s timing stirred controversy, coinciding with the centennial of a Nazi Party meeting that solidified Adolf Hitler’s leadership. Despite symbolic implications, AfD dismisses claims of inappropriate timing. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution classified AfD as a right-wing extremist group but suspended the designation after legal challenges by the party.
AfD’s rise has continued, with the party achieving second place in the 2025 national election, securing 20.8% of votes, the most substantial performance by a far-right party since World War II. They now lead in national polls, though mainstream parties adopt a ‘firewall’ policy, refusing any collaboration.
AfD’s strategy addresses broader issues beyond its anti-migration stance. The party capitalizes on dissatisfaction with economic reforms proposed by the government. Upcoming elections in Saxony-Anhalt present an opportunity for AfD to gain further political influence, potentially securing 40% or more of the vote. This could lead to an absolute majority or attract defectors from other parties, laying groundwork for governance.
AfD’s foreign policy propositions include lifting sanctions against Russia, opposing weapon deliveries to Ukraine, and supporting aspects of U.S. President Trump’s platform while criticizing the administration’s actions in Iran.