German Police Clash With Protesters at AfD Conference

German riot police clashed with thousands of protesters in Erfurt on July 4, 2026, as opponents attempted to block delegates from attending the biennial national conference of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. The AfD was holding its conference in the eastern German city, a date noted for its historical significance during the Nazi era. Police reported that approximately 20,000 protesters were demonstrating in the streets. The conference aimed to elect the party's leadership, with co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla expected to be re-elected. This gathering occurs in the lead-up to crucial regional elections where the AfD could potentially win power at the state level for the first time. The deployment of thousands of police underscored the significant security concerns surrounding the event and the strong opposition it faced.