AfD Bundesparteitag in Erfurt triggers police staffing worries and BSW’s overture for debate

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) will hold its federal party congress in Erfurt on 4‑5 July, drawing expectations of up to 50,000 demonstrators. The police union (GdP) warned that insufficient officers from other states could leave the event under‑protected, noting a recent rise in protest incidents and staffing strain from long‑hour deployments.

At the same time, the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) sent a letter to AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla proposing to end the “Brandmauer”, arrange public duels between Sahra Wagenknecht and Weidel in Magdeburg and Schwerin, and cooperate on “over‑partisan” minister‑president candidates after the upcoming state elections in Saxony‑Anhalt and Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern. AfD’s spokesperson said the party is “open to dialogue” and would consider talks if BSW clears the five‑percent threshold, while Weidel personally declined the duel invitation.

Other figures, such as Green Party chair Felix Banaszak and regional bishop Friederike Spengler, called for peaceful protests and emphasized democratic resilience. The security concerns also extend to the potential use of the “Adenauer‑Bus” by the radical group Zentrum für politische Schönheit, which could generate disruptive sound and light emissions near the venue.