People are protesting against the AfD.Image: keystone
The AfD is holding its party conference in Erfurt this weekend. Protests broke out early in the morning. The police are expecting up to 50,000 demonstrators. A highway was temporarily blocked.
Jul 4, 2026, 9:41 amJul 4, 2026, 9:41 am
The AfD party conference in Erfurt, Thuringia is accompanied by massive protests. More than 30 counter-events were registered in advance, reports t online. The police expect up to 50,000 people. Shortly after 9 a.m., the police reported 20,000 demonstrators. More than 200 coaches had already arrived at 6 a.m., and more demonstrators had come on foot.
There are currently around 20,000 participants.
Protest is legitimate. That’s why we deal with blockades in the city and surrounding areas in a meeting-friendly and communicative manner. Evictions only take place if several discussions to resolve the situation are unsuccessful.
New blockages:
…— Police Thuringia (@Polizei_Thuer) July 4, 2026
The protests started early. In downtown Erfurt, several hundred people gathered on Gothaer Platz before 5 a.m. and blocked traffic. They also stuck to tram tracks.
Blocked tram tracks in Erfurt.Image: keystone
The location is considered the core of the counter-demonstration and is located near the exhibition center where the AfD is holding its party conference.
Hundreds of people gathered in Erfurt early in the morning.Image: keystone
In addition, Autobahn 71 had to be closed for safety reasons, the police reported. Protesters reportedly blocked the highway.
Demonstrators have blocked the highway in several places.Image: Keystone
There are also said to have been the first minor riots. Pepper spray has already been used against demonstrators. Like the police towards the “Time” explained, an AfD citizens’ office and police officers were also attacked with fireworks and paint bags. Nothing is currently known about any injuries.
Ban on gatherings lifted the evening before
The party conference is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. The first delegates were on site hours beforehand. More than half have now arrived.
Preventing the AfD party conference was illegal, Thuringia’s Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) told the German Press Agency (DPA) the day before. Nevertheless, there are also good reasons for protests against the AfD. A ban on gatherings on important access roads and motorway sections of the State Administration Office was consequently overturned on Friday evening. The protesting organizations had already announced that they did not want to adhere to it. (front)
The police are on site with a large contingent.Image: keystone