Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) has granted police personnel a day of special leave in recognition of their involvement in the major operations in Erfurt last weekend. Maier decided that the commemoration would acknowledge the “exceptional deployment of the employees during the predominantly peaceful protest weekend,” according to a statement released on Monday.
Maier described the Thuringian Police colleagues as having achieved “outstanding” results. He noted that they prepared for the operation meticulously over several months, and during the actual deployment, they demonstrated the highest professionalism, great discipline, and extraordinary commitment. Their efforts ensured that the federal party conference could proceed, demonstrations remained peaceful, and public life in Erfurt was largely maintained.
The operation surrounding the AfD federal party conference involved several thousand officers from Thuringia, the federal government, and other states. According to the Thuringian Police, they successfully managed “one of the largest and most complex operational situations in their history.” Despite the numerous demonstrations, blockades, and other major events, the situation remained predominantly peaceful, according to the police.
