(Adnkronos) – Alternative for Germany (AfD) gathers in Erfurt, in the eastern German state of Thuringia, tomorrow and Sunday for its national congress. Movements, trade unions, political parties, and organizations have called for demonstrations and protests, with an expected participation of between 35,000 and 50,000 demonstrators. The first demonstrations in Erfurt are scheduled to start today, and the police are on the streets with thousands of officers, also due to fears of an escalation of protests and possible violence.
The date chosen for the Congress also sparked strong controversy and condemnation, as it coincides exactly with the centenary (July 3 and 4, 1926) of the NSDAP (Nazi party) Congress in Weimar, where the Hitler Youth was founded. For the AfD, it is merely a coincidence.
During the proceedings, the new candidacy for the joint leadership of Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla is expected. This solution has proven successful, Chrupalla stated to Ard: “It’s a division of tasks between us. And I’m not going to say who does this better, who does that worse. I’m happy to have her by my side. And I think she feels the same way.” The AfD repeatedly discusses the abolition of joint leadership. The two party leaders have also publicly contradicted each other in the past, for example on the issue of conscription or relations with Russia.
