Germany has gone on alert ahead of the federal congress of Alternative for Germany, the right-wing party that will gather in Erfurt on July 4 and 5.
In the capital of Thuringia, protests are being prepared against the event in response to the statements and overall hostile approach that AfD has maintained toward social diversity. The opposition is being organized by several coalitions.
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According to the authorities, around 50,000 people are expected to take part in the announced protests, while thousands of police officers have been deployed to maintain order and security. The demonstrations are being called by a broad civil society coalition that includes churches, trade unions, human rights organizations, political parties, and sports clubs. Alongside the protests, calls have also been made to block the congress from taking place.
Beyond the situation outside the hall, the congress is also expected to be marked by a fierce battle over political influence within the party itself. The two current co-chairs, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, are expected to be confirmed in office again, while the race for the other leadership posts is seen as decisive for AfD’s future direction.
Tensions have also been heightened by the recent statements of some of the party’s leading figures, which were denounced as racist comments toward players on the German national football team. At the same time, the debate in Germany over a possible ban on this political force continues. A report recently published by constitutional law experts describes the party as unconstitutional, while several political forces have called for procedures to be launched to ban it.
Despite the controversies, AfD has continued to expand its electoral support, especially in eastern Germany, where it aims to take control of several states in the regional elections in September.
