Overview

• An AfD spokesman confirmed to AFP that delegates will gather in Erfurt on July 4–5, 2026 for the next federal party congress.
• The meeting is described as a regular electoral congress to choose the federal leadership, with the slate yet to be determined.
• It remains unclear whether current co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla will seek new terms at the vote.
• Interior Minister Georg Maier called the location a deliberate signal and suggested Höcke could be aiming for a full takeover, while authorities anticipate counter-protests.
• The state-owned Messe Erfurt cites a legal obligation to rent to parties that meet requirements, as security officials begin drafting a coordinated protection plan.