Up to 50,000 demonstrators are expected to gather in Erfurt this weekend as the AfD prepares to hold its federal party conference, according to reports. While the majority of protesters are anticipated to demonstrate peacefully, the event faces potential disruption from groups attempting to block the proceedings, a tactic that political observers note has historically provided the party with fodder for its internal “victim” narratives.
Did You Know? The AfD’s party conference in Essen was similarly met with blockades, including instances of violence, which allowed party leadership to frame the interference as an assault on democracy rather than a protest against their platform.
Why blockades may benefit the AfD
According to AfD state chairman Björn Höcke, actions intended to prevent the party from meeting serve as “water on our mills.” By attempting to physically block delegates and party officials from entering venues—as seen previously in Essen, Riesa, and Gießen—protesters often create a spectacle that allows party leaders like Alice Weidel to claim they are being persecuted. Weidel frequently utilizes these moments to deliver speeches centering on an “oppressed” party identity, effectively turning the protesters’ own disruptive tactics into a propaganda tool that resonates with the party’s base.
The cycle of protest and disruption
The pattern of events in Erfurt follows a well-documented trajectory of prior party gatherings. In Essen, protesters used banners and noise to block access, leading to police intervention and a delayed start for the conference. Similar scenes unfolded in Gießen during the founding of the party’s youth organization and in Riesa, where youth groups attempted to block bridge access. These confrontations consistently result in delayed schedules and provide the AfD with a visual narrative of being a target of a “left-wing mob,” regardless of the peaceful nature of the majority of demonstrators.
Expert Insight: From a strategic perspective, the attempt to block a legally recognized political party from holding its mandatory conference creates a significant democratic paradox. By moving from peaceful assembly to physical obstruction, protesters provide the AfD with the exact “victim” imagery they require to unify their supporters, ultimately undermining the very democratic norms the protesters claim to defend.
What could happen next
Observers expect the Erfurt conference to mirror previous events: the proceedings will likely face delays as police manage the influx of up to 50,000 protesters. Following the inevitable disruptions, Alice Weidel is expected to deliver an opening speech focusing on the party’s narrative of victimization. Given the public support from the parliamentary group of Die Linke for the “Widersetzen” blockade alliance, political tension in the city is likely to remain high throughout the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is organizing the blockades in Erfurt?
A: The blockade alliance “Widersetzen” is responsible for organizing the protests, with support from the parliamentary group of Die Linke.
Q: How does the AfD respond to these protests?
A: Party leaders, particularly Alice Weidel, use the protests to argue that their democratic rights are being violated, often framing the blockades as proof that their opponents are the true threat to democracy.
Q: Are these protests usually peaceful?
A: While the majority of participants are expected to protest peacefully, past events in Essen and Riesa saw a minority of protesters engage in physical violence, which the party subsequently exploited for its own messaging.
How should a democratic society balance the right to protest against the right of a political party to conduct its legal business?
