The city of Essen in Germany witnessed clashes between hooded demonstrators and police as the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party commenced their party congress. Approximately 600 delegates gathered for the two-day meeting, as authorities anticipated up to 80,000 people participating in demonstrations. With concerns over potentially violent far-left protesters, about 1,000 police officers were deployed in the western city of Essen.

The police of North Rhine-Westphalia reported several disruptive and violent actions by hooded demonstrators, who attacked security forces during the congress. Multiple arrests were made in response to the unrest. Despite the tensions, AfD co-president Alice Weidel opened the congress, declaring, "We are here and we will stay." Her statement was met with sustained applause from the delegates.

The AfD's party congress faced additional challenges as it coincided with the Euro 2024 football tournament, which featured a match between Germany and Denmark in Dortmund, not far from Essen. Security forces navigated the task of ensuring safety for both events.

The AfD's recent success in the European Union (EU) elections, where they secured 16% of the vote to claim second place, has solidified their standing in German politics. The party surpassed the Social Democrats (SPD), the party of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who currently heads a troubled three-party coalition. The AfD's rise has been attributed to a surge in immigration and a weakened German economy.

However, the party has faced numerous scandals that have affected its support. Maximilian Krah, the top EU election candidate for AfD, faced allegations of suspicious ties to Russia and China. He further provoked outrage by making controversial statements regarding the Nazi SS. These controversies led to the AfD's expulsion from the far-right European parliament group Identity and Democracy (ID), estranging them from former partners such as France's National Rally (RN) and Italy's League.

While the AfD attempted to shift blame onto Krah, strains within the party existed even before these incidents. In January, reports emerged that the German party had discussed expelling immigrants and "non-assimilated" citizens during a meeting with extremists, leading to strong public opposition and protests.

At the party congress, delegates will vote on a motion seeking to eliminate the practice of having two party co-presidents. Reports from German media indicate that Tino Chrupalla, the party's other co-president, may lose his position if the motion passes. Chrupalla, who has been critical of Krah, could potentially become a target for supporters of the disgraced politician.

Chrupalla and Weidel have advocated for the establishment of a secretary general position within the party, believing that it could professionalize the AfD in preparation for the parliamentary elections scheduled for 2025. These elections hold significant importance as the AfD tops opinion polls in three key states in September, all of which were formerly part of communist East Germany.

As the far-right AfD party congress unfolds amidst clashes and controversies, its future direction and leadership structure remain uncertain. With ongoing protests and challenges, the party strives to maintain its position in the German political landscape.