The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has selected Erfurt, Thuringia, as the venue for its next federal party congress, scheduled for the first weekend of July 2026. The choice, confirmed by Messe Erfurt, signals a deliberate alignment with the party’s most controversial figure, Björn Höcke and raises concerns about a potential escalation of the party’s radicalization.
Thuringia’s Interior Minister, Georg Maier (SPD), expressed strong reservations regarding the decision, characterizing it as a calculated move linked to Höcke’s political influence. “It’s no coincidence that the AfD’s federal party congress is taking place in Erfurt” Maier stated, suggesting a potential power grab orchestrated by Höcke. He warned of likely protests and emphasized the importance of civic engagement in demonstrating opposition to the party’s increasingly extreme trajectory.
The selection of Erfurt, a region perceived as a political stronghold for Höcke and formerly associated with the designated extremist “Flügel” faction within the AfD, has been widely interpreted as a visible indication of the party’s shifting power dynamics. Former Thuringia Minister President, Bodo Ramelow (Left Party), echoed this perspective, interpreting the choice as a clear endorsement of Höcke and his ideological allies.
The Congress, which will include the election of party leadership, is expected to draw intense scrutiny from both political observers and civil society groups. The move underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the AfD’s direction and the influence of hardline figures within the party, potentially setting the stage for a period of intensified political confrontation. The planned event is already generating significant political anxiety within Thuringia and nationally, prompting calls for vigilance and robust opposition to what many perceive as a concerning drift towards extremism.
