The Police Union (GdP) anticipates a challenging and tough deployment operation for officers in Erfurt as the AfD federal party congress approaches in just a few days, while simultaneously warning that there will be a shortage of police personnel during the event.
Jochen Kopelke, the federal chairman of the GdP, informed Funke Media that securing the party congress in the Thuringian capital will “be a major challenge,” but added that the congress will proceed. Kopelke stated that while the police intend to engage in dialogue with peaceful protesters, they will take firm action against those involved in violence.
However, Kopelke expressed concern that too few units from other federal states will be present in Erfurt. He noted that some individual states might retain part of their promised forces due to their own operational needs, resulting in insufficient police strength to manage the AfD congress.
The union chairman highlighted that such issues are not new, citing past large-scale events that have shown “a lack of reserve deployment.” He further emphasized that since the COVID-19 pandemic, stress levels have grown, particularly within the standby police force. The number of demonstrations and escalations has quadrupled in recent years. This situation is compounded by the partially violent pro-Palestine demonstrations that have begun since the autumn of 2023. Kopelke added that global political developments directly affect the German police, while sustained 18-hour shifts contribute to more sick leave and diminish overall personnel capacity.
The AfD congress is scheduled for July 4th and 5th in Erfurt. Groups including the Left Party, unions, and the Greens have called for protests. To date, approximately 30 demonstrations and rallies against the congress have been registered. Thuringian Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) expects up to 50,000 people to participate in the protests against the AfD’s gathering.
