The AfD leaders, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, were re-elected at the party congress in Erfurt, despite protests from tens of thousands of anti-fascist demonstrators.

The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) held a congress on Saturday in Erfurt, where its leaders, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, were re-elected, despite massive protests organized by tens of thousands of anti-fascist demonstrators.

The congress took place in the state of Thuringia, known as a stronghold of the radical wing of the AfD, and began as scheduled, despite attempts by protesters to block access. Approximately 31,000 people mobilized to prevent the congress from taking place, and the 'Resistance' Alliance organized protest actions, including road blockades and gatherings in the city center. Although there were isolated clashes, most of the protests were peaceful.

Tino Chrupalla criticized the demonstrators, accusing them of being supported by traditional parties. The AfD aims to gain power in eastern Germany, where polls suggest a possible majority in the regional elections in September.