• Thousands protest in Erfurt against Germany's far-right AfD party.
• Police estimated around 15,000 to 20,000 demonstrators at the event.
• Protesters blocked roads leading to the AfD's annual conference.
• Opponents accuse the AfD of promoting extremist and racist policies.
• The conference is seen as critical ahead of key regional elections.

Thousands of opponents of Germany's far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) took to the streets of Erfurt on Saturday, where they successfully blocked roads leading to the party's annual conference. The protests come ahead of regional elections that could potentially see the AfD gaining power at the state level for the first time, reflecting growing public concern over the party's rising influence in German politics, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera.

Protesters, largely composed of union members, civil society groups, and left-wing political factions, gathered amidst significant police presence including reinforcements from across Germany. Reports estimate the number of demonstrators to be between 15,000 and 20,000, who engaged in various acts of civil disobedience including sit-ins and blocking access routes to the conference center, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

A spokesperson for the protest alliance "Widersetzen" (Resist) articulated the protesters' sentiments, stating, “We want to make it clear that we simply won’t tolerate this, that fascism is on the rise here in Germany,” highlighting the perceived threat from the AfD's policies. The party has been criticized for promoting nationalist rhetoric and anti-immigration policies, which many believe contradict democratic values in Germany, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera.

The AfD has experienced a surge in support over recent years, capitalizing on economic discontent and dissatisfaction with traditional political parties. Recent polls indicate that the AfD could secure approximately 41% support in Saxony-Anhalt, placing it significantly ahead of the ruling Christian Democrats. This rise presents a serious challenge to mainstream parties which have maintained a "firewall" strategy to prevent any collaboration with the AfD, branding it as extremist and anti-democratic, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera.