Thousands Protest AfD Congress in Erfurt: What Expats Should Know

Introduction

Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Erfurt, Thuringia, to demonstrate against the AfD's national party congress. The protests were largely peaceful, according to Thuringia's police force, which described the weekend as a positive example of the right to public assembly in action. At the same time, some demonstrators and civil liberties observers raised concerns about specific aspects of how police managed the crowds. For immigrants and expats in Germany, these events are a visible reminder of the active civil society debate surrounding immigration, identity, and political direction in the country.

Scale and Atmosphere of the Protests

The demonstrations drew participants from across Germany, reflecting the broad coalition of civil society groups, unions, and individuals who have organized large-scale anti-AfD protests since early 2024. Events in cities like Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich have previously attracted hundreds of thousands of people. The Erfurt protests were notable for taking place directly alongside the AfD's own congress, making a visible statement of opposition.

Police described the event as largely orderly and praised demonstrators for their conduct. The right to peaceful protest is constitutionally protected in Germany under Article 8 of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law), and large demonstrations of this kind are a regular feature of German public life.

Criticism of Police Conduct

Alongside the positive police assessment, some demonstrators and observers reported concerns about how certain situations were handled by officers during the weekend. Specific details of the criticism were not fully outlined in initial reporting, but such post-event scrutiny is normal in Germany, where police actions at large demonstrations are routinely reviewed by civil rights organizations and parliamentary oversight bodies.

For expats attending public demonstrations in Germany, it is worth knowing your rights: peaceful protest is legal and protected, you are entitled to know the reason if police approach you, and you have the right to legal assistance if detained.

What This Signals About the Political Climate

The scale of the protests reflects the depth of feeling among a significant part of German society about the AfD's political direction — particularly on immigration, asylum, and national identity. For immigrants living in Germany, this civil society opposition is an important part of the picture: Germany is not a monolithic political environment, and a large, active portion of the population is explicitly committed to an open, diverse society.

At the same time, the AfD's electoral results — it came second in the February 2025 federal election — show that its positions also reflect the views of a substantial minority of voters. Understanding both realities is important for navigating life in Germany with clear eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join protests in Germany as a foreigner or non-citizen?

Yes. The right to peaceful assembly in Germany is not restricted to citizens. All persons on German territory, including foreign nationals and expats, have the right to participate in peaceful demonstrations. However, if you hold a temporary residence permit, it is advisable to avoid any situations that could lead to legal complications — stay within the legal boundaries of the protest, follow police instructions, and avoid areas where tensions escalate.

Where can I follow developments about the AfD and German politics in English?

Reliable English-language sources covering German politics include Deutsche Welle (dw.com), The Local Germany (thelocal.de), and Politico Europe. For immigration-specific implications, BAMF's website (bamf.de) is the authoritative source for policy changes.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Erfurt protests are a reminder that Germany's political debate about immigration and identity is active, contested, and far from settled. For expats and immigrants, the practical takeaway is straightforward: stay informed, know your rights, and engage with the civil society and community resources available to you. Your voice — whether at the ballot box once you are eligible, or in community and civic spaces — matters in shaping the Germany you live in.

Source: Tagesschau