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German police in Erfurt have warned of an “end-time scenario” regarding the security risks surrounding the federal party congress of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), according to reporting by Euronews on July 3, 2026. Authorities are preparing for significant unrest as the right-wing populist party gathers for its national convention in the city.

The AfD, a party that advocates for restrictive immigration and opposes several European Union policies, has seen its party congresses become flashpoints for opposing demonstrations and counter-protests. In Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, police are bracing for a high volume of protesters and potential clashes between opposing political factions.

The “end-time scenario” phrasing used by police reflects the scale of the security operation required to prevent violence in the city center. Law enforcement officials are coordinating to manage the flow of party delegates and the expected influx of activists who oppose the AfD’s platform.

Alice Weidel, a prominent leader within the AfD, is expected to be a central figure at the event. Weidel has frequently been a target of protests due to her rhetoric on climate change, gender, and national identity, which critics argue undermines democratic norms in Germany.

The security concerns in Erfurt are heightened by the party’s growing influence in eastern Germany. Thuringia has become a stronghold for the AfD, making the local atmosphere particularly volatile during high-profile political gatherings.

Police tactics for the congress include the establishment of security perimeters and the deployment of riot control units to separate AfD supporters from counter-demonstrators. Authorities have not specified the exact number of officers deployed but indicated that the mobilization is substantial to avoid a breakdown in public order.

The AfD’s federal party congress serves as the primary venue for the organization to set its policy agenda and elect leadership. However, the focus in Erfurt has shifted toward the logistical challenge of maintaining peace in the streets while the party conducts its internal business.

This event follows a pattern of escalating tensions surrounding AfD gatherings across Germany. Previous congresses in other cities have required similar levels of police intervention to manage spontaneous protests and organized opposition movements.