AfD Party Congress in Erfurt: Protests, Rights and What It Means for Immigrants

Introduction

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is holding its party congress in Erfurt this weekend, drawing demonstrators from across Germany who are determined to make their opposition visible. The event has significant implications for anyone following the political climate around immigration in Germany. The AfD has consistently pushed for stricter immigration controls, faster deportations, and a fundamental shift in asylum policy. For expats and immigrants living here, understanding what is happening — and what the law says about it — is a useful part of staying informed about the political environment that shapes daily life in Germany.

What Is Happening in Erfurt?

The AfD's national party congress is taking place in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, a federal state where the party has performed strongly in recent elections. Party congresses are standard political events in Germany, used to debate party platforms, elect leadership, and set strategic direction. This one is drawing particular attention because of the scale of planned counter-demonstrations. Activists and civil society groups have organized protests with the stated goal of disrupting the event and signaling broad public opposition to the party's positions.

German authorities are managing a complex security situation: protecting the legal right of the AfD to hold its congress while also protecting the legal right of citizens to demonstrate peacefully outside.

What Does German Law Say About Protests?

Germany's Basic Law (Grundgesetz) guarantees the right to peaceful assembly in Article 8. This means anyone — including foreign nationals legally residing in Germany — has the right to participate in peaceful demonstrations. You do not need to be a German citizen to attend a lawful protest.

However, the right to assemble comes with legal boundaries under the Versammlungsrecht (assembly law):

• Peaceful and unarmed: Demonstrations must be non-violent and participants must not carry weapons or dangerous objects.
• Registration: Large demonstrations generally must be registered with local authorities in advance, though spontaneous gatherings can be permitted under certain conditions.
• Blockades: Attempting to physically prevent a lawful political event from taking place can cross into illegal territory, potentially constituting Nötigung (coercion) under German criminal law.
• Police orders: Participants must follow instructions from police officers on the ground. Ignoring lawful dispersal orders can lead to detention or fines.

For foreign nationals, it is worth knowing that a criminal conviction in Germany can have consequences for your residence status. Participating peacefully is entirely within your rights; becoming involved in unlawful acts carries real legal risk.

Why Does the AfD Congress Matter for Immigrants?

The AfD's political program has consistently included proposals that would directly affect immigrants and foreigners living in Germany. These include pushing for stricter limits on family reunification, faster processing and execution of deportation orders, tighter controls at Germany's borders, and a reduction in asylum seeker numbers. While the AfD is currently in opposition at the federal level, its electoral strength — it came second in the 2025 federal election — means its positions influence the broader political debate and can put pressure on governing parties to shift their own policies.

For expats and immigrants, monitoring the AfD's official positions, especially those adopted or reaffirmed at party congresses, is one way to stay aware of potential future policy directions in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I as a foreigner legally attend a protest in Germany?

Yes. The right to peaceful assembly under Article 8 of the Grundgesetz applies to everyone on German soil, not only to citizens. As long as you participate peacefully, attend a lawfully registered demonstration, and follow police instructions, you are exercising a protected right. However, any criminal conduct during a protest — even minor offences — can potentially affect your residence permit status, so it is important to stay within the law.

Does the AfD congress change immigration policy directly?

No, not immediately. A party congress sets internal party positions and strategy; it does not pass laws. Policy changes require legislation through the Bundestag. However, what parties decide at congresses shapes their manifesto commitments and can influence coalition negotiations or public discourse. Keeping an eye on what the AfD adopts as official policy is a way to anticipate possible future policy pressure.

Where can I find reliable information about my rights as a foreigner in Germany?

The BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) website provides official information on residence rights and immigration rules. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified immigration lawyer (Fachanwalt für Ausländerrecht) or a recognized migration counselling service (Migrationsberatung).

Conclusion and Next Steps

The AfD congress in Erfurt is a significant moment in Germany's ongoing political debate about immigration and national identity. For expats and immigrants, it is worth following news coverage of what positions the party formally adopts, as these can signal the direction of future policy debates. If you choose to participate in any of the planned demonstrations, know your rights under German assembly law and stay within its boundaries. And if you have specific questions about how the political climate could affect your residence status or rights, speak to a qualified immigration adviser rather than relying on social media commentary.

Source: Tagesschau