Massive protests - AfD party conference starts in Essen
Accompanied by massive protests, the AfD party conference began in Essen. Delegates were escorted by police from their hotels to the event venue in the Grugahalle. Protesters attempted to prevent access with blockades and occupied streets and intersections around the event location, the Grugahalle.
According to police reports, there were several violent incidents and arrests. Some demonstrators had disguised themselves and attacked police forces. Protesters also prevented some journalists from entering the hall. Up to 100,000 people are expected to attend demonstrations and events throughout the weekend from all over Germany and abroad, including around 1,000 left-wing extremists. The police have deployed several thousand officers.
At the conference, the AfD aims to elect a new federal executive board. The leadership duo Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla are seeking re-election. There were no counter-candidates up until now. The failed European election campaign, the handling of Spitzenkandidat Maximilian Krah, and the AfD's course in European and foreign policy will also be discussed.
The AfD party conference, spotted with numerous protests, took place in Germany's Essen, with the Grugahalle serving as the event venue. Police provided protection to conference attendees, escorting them from their hotels to the event location due to street blockades and occupied intersections. Several disturbances and arrests occurred during these protests, as some masked demonstrators assaulted the police forces.
