German Intelligence Labels AfD as Far-Right Extremist Party
Germany's intelligence service today classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which came in second in the last parliamentary elections, as a "proven far-right extremist" movement, paving the way for placing it under strict surveillance.
The ideology of the AfD, which “devalues entire population groups in Germany and undermines their human dignity, is not compatible with the basic democratic order,” stated the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
In the parliamentary elections held on February 23, the AfD made a historic breakthrough, doubling its previous result with over 20 percent of the vote.
Since then, the young party, founded in 2013, has even surpassed the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Friedrich Merz in some public opinion polls. Merz is expected to be sworn in as the new chancellor on Tuesday.
The Office for the Protection of the Constitution has not yet provided details on the specific consequences of this classification of the AfD, which could have major repercussions for political life in Germany.
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This classification grants the authorities significant tools for monitoring and controlling activities, including private communications.
The debate on a possible ban of the AfD, initiated by some political leaders in recent months, could be reignited.
Germany's intelligence service had already classified the AfD's youth organization and several of its regional branches in the former East German states as “extremist.”
The agency's statement mentions “the party's overall hostile stance toward migrants and Muslims” and “ongoing statements” that “encourage the spread and deepening of prejudices, resentment, and fears.”
