Mass protests erupt in Germany as AfD eyes breakthrough in eastern states
Thousands of people protested in Erfurt, Germany, against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during its annual conference, blocking roads and expressing strong opposition. The demonstrations occurred as the AfD leads national opinion polls and aims for significant gains in upcoming eastern state elections, potentially taking power at the state level for the first time.
Why it matters
The widespread protests and the AfD's growing electoral support highlight a significant political shift in Germany, reflecting public frustration and raising concerns about the rise of far-right nationalism in a major European economy with historical sensitivities.
Thousands of people took to the streets of the German city of Erfurt on Saturday to protest against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), blocking roads leading to the party's annual conference as it seeks major gains in upcoming eastern state elections.Police estimated that around 15,000 people joined demonstrations in and around Erfurt, with protesters from trade unions, civil society groups and left-wing parties sitting across roads and highways near the convention centre. Large numbers of police, including reinforcements from across Germany, were deployed to contain the protests.The demonstrations came as the AfD held its two-day annual conference, with the party leading opinion polls nationally and hoping to make further gains in elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
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