Thousands of protesters gathered in Erfurt on Saturday in an attempt to disrupt the national convention of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Some demonstrators clashed with police officers in riot gear outside the conference venue, amid warnings about potential violence and road blockades.

The AfD convention, held in the eastern city, is where the party elects its leaders every two years. The event is being framed by mainstream parties as a test of how far AfD can expand its influence, while supporters of the protesters say they want to prevent the gathering from proceeding smoothly.

In addition to the protests, the conference has drawn wider controversy because it coincides with the 100-year anniversary of a Nazi Party meeting held nearby—something historians and political opponents say carries strong symbolism. The AfD has denied that the timing is meant to evoke the past.

Inside the conference, AfD leaders were set to continue running the party, with the weekend meeting also serving as a platform for internal debates. Meanwhile, the demonstrations remain a focal point for concern about escalating political tensions in Germany.