About 20,000 protesters block roads and disrupt public transport in Erfurt while the Alternative for Germany holds its annual congress under heavy police protection.The congress reelects co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as the party, now the main opposition after the 2025 federal elections, aims to win 40% or more in the upcoming Sept. 6 state election in Saxony-Anhalt to claim its first state governor.Opponents call the timing provocative because the meeting falls near the 100-year anniversary of a notorious Nazi Party congress in nearby Weimar;
AfD denies symbolic intent and police report mostly peaceful demonstrations with minor clashes and dozens of arrests.