Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has been officially labeled as a right-wing extremist group by the country’s domestic intelligence agency. This decision comes after the AfD achieved significant electoral success, securing 152 seats in the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, during the February elections, where they garnered 20.8% of the vote.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution made this classification, stating that the party’s views on ethnicity and ancestry clash with Germany’s democratic values. The agency pointed out that the AfD does not recognize individuals from a migration background, particularly those from predominantly Muslim countries, as equal members of society.
AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla responded strongly, calling the agency’s decision politically motivated and a serious threat to democracy. They claimed the ruling aimed to discredit and criminalize their party just as a new government is forming. The AfD has been under surveillance for suspected extremism, particularly in eastern Germany, where it enjoys considerable support.
Acting Interior Minister Nancy Faeser defended the intelligence agency’s decision, asserting it was based on a thorough review of 1,100 pages of evidence and was free from political influence. This classification allows the agency to increase surveillance and informant use against the party, raising concerns among AfD members about their treatment in parliament.
Some politicians have suggested that this designation could pave the way for a ban on the AfD. Under Germany’s Basic Law, parties that threaten the democratic order can be banned, but such a move requires action from parliament or the constitutional court. While outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz cautioned against hasty decisions, calls for a ban have emerged from various political figures, stating that the AfD poses a risk to social harmony.
The AfD’s rise has been marked by controversies, including a member’s conviction for using banned Nazi slogans and the party’s embrace of harsh immigration policies. Recently, the party has gained attention from international figures, including U.S. politicians and tech billionaire Elon Musk, who have expressed support for its platform.
As the political landscape shifts, many in Germany are watching closely to see how this classification affects the AfD’s future and its role in the country’s democracy.