Clashes erupt as far-right AfD party says it aims to govern Germany
- Two police officers were hospitalised after attacks by protesters, as the party held its congress in the city of Essen
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) declared its ambition to rise to power in Germany as its party congress kicked off on Saturday amid clashes between hooded demonstrators and police, just weeks after it scored record EU election results.
About 1,000 police were deployed in the western city of Essen, where demonstration organisers said 50,000 protesters marched towards the congress. The police have not yet provided figures.
“We want to govern, first in the east [of Germany], then in the west, then at federal level,” Tino Chrupalla, AfD co-president told around 600 delegates of the two-day meeting, which started half an hour late due to street blockades.
Police added that two officers had to be hospitalised following attacks by protesters.
“Unknown assailants kicked two police officers in the head” and continued to “hit them while they were on the ground”, said the police of North Westphalia, where Essen is located.
Seven officers were also slightly injured in the same attack near the Grugahalle hall. The perpetrators fled the scene.
