Approximately 6,000 officers deploy as tens of thousands of counter-demonstrators block roads, a section of the A71 and access routes while the Alternative for Germany holds its federal party congress in the Messe Erfurt.Around 300 demonstrators glue themselves to tram tracks and force the closure of a stretch of the A71 near Gottstedt, several city access roads are sealed, tram services halt and more than 200 buses bring participants as authorities expect about 50,000 demonstrators.Police report limited use of pepper spray in Erfurt, no major violence so far, and a heavy presence of
Thuringia police supported by forces from other German states and the
Federal Police as the congress continues with the election of the
Alternative for Germany board while a poll shows 67% support for raising the wealth tax and asylum applications fall 27% earlier this year.