German law enforcement agencies are preparing for one of the largest protests in recent years against the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). This was reported by Politico, citing assessments from domestic security services.
According to police data, between 4 and 5 July, more than 50,000 demonstrators may arrive at the federal party congress of the AfD, which is being held at the Messe Erfurt exhibition centre in the eastern state of Thuringia. Among them, up to 2,500 individuals are estimated to belong to the category of left-wing extremists capable of violent actions.
Police in Thuringia expect attempts to block access routes to the congress venue. Authorities fear that radical activists may use the large crowd of peaceful protesters as cover for attacks on law enforcement officers and to disrupt the event.
A broad coalition of trade unions, left-wing groups, and civil society organisations is opposing the AfD congress. They have already announced mass actions, including a central demonstration outside the exhibition centre. Some critics have highlighted the symbolism of the date: the congress is taking place exactly 100 years after a key NSDAP event in Weimar in 1926, which is causing additional outrage among the party’s opponents.
The AfD, which has significantly strengthened its position in recent years, especially in eastern Germany, is holding its congress amid ongoing discussions about its classification as a party with partially confirmed extremist tendencies in certain federal states.
Thuringia police have announced a large-scale security operation for the weekend of 3–5 July. A significant number of forces are expected to be deployed to prevent unrest.
This event could become a serious test for German authorities amid growing societal polarisation ahead of regional and federal political challenges.