Over 30,000 demonstrators protested against the AfD party congress in Erfurt, Germany, attempting to disrupt the event but ultimately failing. Despite the large turnout, the congress proceeded as planned, with party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla re-elected with significant majority support. Authorities were prepared for major disruptions, deploying 6,000 officers, and expressed relief that the first day concluded with limited major incidents. Police intervened to clear blocked access roads, as protesters aimed to prevent AfD members from attending. During the demonstrations, two journalists were injured and required hospital treatment, and the AfD's local office was vandalized. Despite some clashes involving batons and pepper spray, officials remain cautiously optimistic for a calmer second day.