Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has officially labeled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an extremist organization. This classification comes after the party’s rise in popularity, where it secured second place in the recent general election held in February.
The agency stated that the AfD’s views on ethnicity pose a threat to democracy. A detailed report, spanning 1,000 pages, argues that the party’s ideology aims to exclude certain groups from equal participation in society. The agency pointed out that the AfD’s understanding of citizenship, which is based on ethnicity, contradicts the principles of a free democratic society. Specifically, the report noted that the party does not recognize German citizens with a migration background from predominantly Muslim countries as equal members of the German populace.
In response to this classification, AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla expressed strong disapproval. They described the decision as a significant blow to German democracy, claiming it discredits and criminalizes the party just before a government transition. They argued that this move is politically motivated and that they will legally challenge what they see as a defamation of their party.
The AfD has consistently denied being far-right or extremist. However, local branches in eastern German states like Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt had already been labeled as extremist by regional authorities. Previously, the entire party was classified as "suspected" of far-right extremism.
This new classification allows intelligence agencies to monitor the party more closely. It may also encourage opponents to push for a ban on the AfD. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the agency’s assessment, stating that it clearly shows the party’s discriminatory practices against certain groups. She emphasized that the findings were free from political influence but acknowledged that they might face legal scrutiny.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz supported the intelligence agency’s justification for the classification but cautioned against rushing into any ban on the party. Some regional politicians have raised concerns about the political implications of this decision.
While this ruling is a setback for the AfD, it may not significantly alter the views of its core supporters, many of whom reside in areas where the party was already considered extremist. The situation continues to unfold as the political landscape in Germany reacts to this significant development.