The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) held its federal party congress in Erfurt, Thuringia, on July 4-5, 2026, re-electing co-leaders Alice Weidel (81.3%) and Tino Chrupalla (70%). The congress strengthened the party's hardline wing: Weidel's allies, supported by the Münzenmaier network, secured key board positions, and Björn Höcke expanded his influence through the election of Stefan Möller as deputy spokesperson. The party avoided internal debates on its 'incompatibility list' regarding former extremist members, postponing the issue to a commission. The congress was met by 30,000-50,000 protesters, with some clashes reported. The AfD, polling at 29-30% nationally, aims to win state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Berlin in September 2026, and to govern at the federal level by 2029.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, speaking in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Baltic leaders, declared that Russia is in its weakest position in years and called for sustained allied pressure to exploit this vulnerability. He urged enhanced bilateral military aid from EU member states and accelerated EU accession talks for Ukraine. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania also pressed for a comprehensive EU ban on remaining Russian oil imports. Economic data shows Russia's budget deficit reaching 6 trillion rubles in H1 2026, with defense spending at 48% of state expenditure.

Tino Chrupalla was re-elected as co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party with 70.05% of delegate votes at the party congress in Erfurt, a decline from his previous result. He described the outcome as a '2-1 victory' and expressed satisfaction. Chrupalla stated the party would focus on personnel matters now and address policy questions at a later programmatic congress. He labeled counter-demonstrators as 'extremists' and defended the party's course, while the party is classified as 'proven right-wing extremist' in parts by German authorities. The event highlights internal dynamics and the party's ongoing radicalization.

In Erfurt, Germany, antifascist activists from the collective 'Resister' have been conducting door-to-door canvassing for three months, warning residents about the rise of the far-right AfD party ahead of its congress in Thuringia. The activists have knocked on nearly 20,000 doors, urging people to oppose the AfD, which is now the largest opposition party in Germany. They plan to join an expected 60,000 protesters at the congress.