German Intelligence Classifies AfD as Far-Right Extremist

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has officially classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a far-right extremist party. This decision follows extensive evaluations, including the party’s ethnically based understanding of the populace, deemed incompatible with Germany's liberal democratic principles. This classification allows the use of intelligence methods like surveillance and informants to monitor the party.

Previously, regional branches of the AfD in states like Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt had been labeled similarly, but this marks the first time the entire party has received such a designation. The agency argues that the party’s ideology undermines human dignity by excluding certain groups, particularly those with migration backgrounds, from equal societal participation.

Despite this, the path to an outright ban of the AfD remains complex. A ban requires the approval of the Bundestag, Bundesrat, or the federal government, and political consensus on this issue has yet to be reached. While the decision does not immediately lead to a prohibition, it reignites discussions around the party's role in German politics.

The AfD has responded to this classification with mixed signals. Party leader Tino Chrupalla announced a more moderate approach in the Bundestag, though skepticism remains high among other political parties. The move has put pressure on German political entities, particularly the Union, to reassess their strategies and responses to the growing influence of the AfD.