Thousands of protesters recently gathered in the eastern German city of Erfurt, forming roadblocks and demonstrating against a conference organised by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The civil disobedience actions, coordinated by a coalition named 'Widersetzen', aimed to disrupt the party's gathering and express strong opposition to its policies. This grassroots movement represents a significant shift in how some Germans are choosing to confront the rising influence of the AfD, which has seen its popularity surge in recent polls.
The demonstrations involved diverse groups, including trade unionists, climate activists, anti-racist organisations, and queer groups, all united by a commitment to civil disobedience. Participants described an atmosphere more akin to a community gathering than a radical protest, despite portrayals in some conservative media. The protests saw limited instances of violence, primarily involving police action against a small number of demonstrators attempting to breach a cordon, resulting in minor injuries.
The AfD has become a dominant force in German politics, with recent polls indicating it is the country's most popular party, garnering nearly 30% support. Its policy platform includes what it terms 'remigration', a concept critics fear could lead to the deportation of not only undocumented migrants but also German citizens with migrant backgrounds deemed not 'truly German'. Some figures associated with the party have reportedly discussed such measures, and the Bavarian AfD parliamentary group has even proposed a German deportation police force, modelled on the controversial US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The context for these protests is particularly pressing, with crucial state elections scheduled for this autumn in two eastern German states. Current polling suggests the AfD could secure victories in both, and in one, Saxony-Anhalt, it is reportedly close to achieving an absolute majority. Such an outcome would mark a historic moment, making the AfD the first far-right party to assume state office in Germany since the end of the Nazi dictatorship, a prospect that deeply concerns many across the country.
Observers note that the 'Widersetzen' movement's approach, which includes extensive door-to-door engagement with local residents and building alliances within communities, contrasts sharply with the mainstream political establishment's perceived struggles to counter the AfD's ascent. This ground-level organising offers a different strategy for resistance, providing an outlet for those who feel traditional political responses have been insufficient in addressing the far-right's growing appeal and its implications for German society.