Overview

• The party confirmed a two-day federal congress on July 4–5, 2026 in Erfurt, billed as a pure election meeting to choose a new federal board.
• Thuringia’s interior minister Georg Maier argued the location is no coincidence and suggested it points to a possible power grab and further radicalization.
• Messe Erfurt’s chief said the state-owned venue is bound by an obligation to rent space to parties that meet legal requirements, with security plans to be drawn up with police and the city.
• Authorities and observers anticipate significant counter-demonstrations, reflecting a pattern of large protests around prior AfD national gatherings.
• In a separate development, the Berlin AfD met in Jüterbog after failing to secure a venue in the capital and nominated Kristin Brinker as 2026 lead candidate with about 92–93% support as several hundred protesters gathered.