SPD, Greens, and Left Party call for peaceful protests against the AfD congress in Erfurt this weekend.

Ahead of the AfD party congress in Erfurt this weekend, the SPD, Greens, and Left Party have urged citizens to join peaceful demonstrations. SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf emphasized the importance of participating in the protests, calling it a ‘self-evident duty and political mandate.’ Klüssendorf announced he would personally attend the demonstrations organized by the ‘Zusammenstehen’ alliance, which includes unions, churches, and political groups.

Meanwhile, the ‘Widersetzen’ alliance plans disruptive actions, including road blockades to hinder access to the congress venue. The group has promoted ‘mass civil disobedience’ but denies any risk to human safety. Controversially, their online materials include advice on avoiding arrest during sabotage activities such as arson or vandalism. The Left Party has expressed support for these blockades, with leaders like Ines Schwerdtner calling them ‘absolutely legitimate protests.’ The CSU, however, has warned of potential violence, citing concerns over extremist groups possibly joining the demonstrations.