• Thousands protested against the far-right AfD party's annual conference in Erfurt, Germany.
• Police estimated up to 31,000 demonstrators blocked major roads, with some claiming over 50,000 were present.
• The AfD aims for its first governorship in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt amid rising national support.

In a demonstration against Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, thousands protested in Erfurt on July 4, blocking several roads leading to the party’s annual conference. Police estimates suggest that around 31,000 attended the protests, while organizers claim figures closer to 50,000. The protests were led by activists from unions, civil society groups, and left-wing parties, aiming to disrupt the conference as the AfD prepares for potential electoral gains in upcoming regional elections, particularly in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where they hope to solidify their political power for the first time at a state level. The protestors want to send a clear message against what they deem the rise of fascism in Germany, according to Reuters, SCMP, and Al Jazeera.

Despite the demonstrations, the AfD convened its conference as scheduled, with party co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla being re-elected. The party has been gaining support, currently topping the national polls, partly due to widespread discontent with traditional political parties and persistent economic issues. As the conference progressed, the leaders faced accusations of promoting racist policies and undermining democratic values, with protesters chanting their opposition to the AfD's agenda. This sentiment was echoed in reports highlighting the AfD's controversial stances, including their calls for stricter immigration controls, according to Le Monde, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

The AfD has been criticized for its use of inflammatory rhetoric surrounding immigration and national identity, with some representatives calling for mass deportations. Notably, they boast significant support in eastern Germany, where economic dissatisfaction has fueled their rise. As public sentiment against the party grows, mainstream political factions have implemented a "firewall" strategy, refusing to enter coalitions with the AfD. The concern stems from fears that their platform could disrupt Germany's democratic fabric, illustrating the deep divisions in the political landscape ahead of the critical state elections, as highlighted in reports from Reuters, SCMP, and Le Monde.