AfD begins two-day party conference in Essen - massive counter-demonstration and police presence
Agenda of the party congress includes, among other things, the new election of the Federal Executive Committee, which was expected in the afternoon for Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as party chairs. A proposal for discussions had prepared earlier, which provides for the abolition of the co-chair system in favor of only one party chair and a newly appointed General Secretary.
The Police presence was significant due to the anticipated counter demonstration against the AfD during the Party conference. Alice Weidel, one of the party chairs, expressed concerns about the safety precautions needed to ensure the event's success. Despite the massive crowd, food stalls were strategically placed to cater to attendees' needs. Tensions rose when a counter-protest erupted near the entrance of the venue, leading to a brief altercation between the police and the protestors. The voting for the new Federal Executive Committee, including Chrupalla and Weidel as potential chairs, was postponed due to the disruptive counter-protest.
