ERFURT, Germany (AP) — Thousands of protesters sought to disrupt the national convention of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on Saturday, some clashing with police in riot gear outside the meeting.

The far-right Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, is gathering in the eastern German city of Erfurt to choose its leaders, which German parties do every two years. The party is seeking to show unity and extend the terms of leaders who have run the party for four years.

Protests outside the convention reflect how the AfD has divided Germany, even though it is the biggest opposition party nationally.

The convention this week has stirred additional controversy because it comes 100 years after the Nazi party held a meeting nearby that strengthened Adolf Hitler's power over the fascist movement. Historians and political opponents say the timing carries powerful symbolism, which the AfD denies.

Weidel has recently said that "2026 is the make-or-break year for the AfD." Mainstream parties say they won't work with it, often called the "firewall."

But the AfD is benefiting from the unpopularity of the government, which is trying to repair a stagnant economy.

The party has become adept at tapping into discontent beyond its signature theme of limiting immigration, which helped it grow in the mid-2010s.

The AfD is hoping to get 40% or more in the Sept. 6 election for the state of Saxony-Anhalt. That could put the party on track to an absolute majority or a position where it could try to attract defectors from other parties, paving the way for its first state governor.