BERLIN, 3 May (Alliance News): Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has officially designated the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as “extremist”, enabling authorities to intensify surveillance and prompting a wave of political backlash.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) released a 1,100-page report stating the AfD promotes a racially and ethnically exclusive view of society, violating the principles of human dignity and targeting migrants and Muslims.
The new classification allows the agency to monitor the AfD more closely, including recruiting informants and intercepting communications.
AfD leaders condemned the move as politically driven and a “blow against democracy”, pledging to continue legal action.
The classification revives calls for a potential ban on the party, especially as it remains Germany’s largest opposition group following its strong showing in February’s elections.
International reactions were swift. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Germany to reverse the decision, while Elon Musk labeled the move “an extreme attack on democracy.” Italian far-right leader Matteo Salvini also called it “theft of democracy.”
The decision could strip the AfD of public funding and disqualify civil servants affiliated with the party.
It also coincides with incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s assumption of office, placing pressure on conservative leaders to decide whether to engage with or isolate the AfD in parliament.
Although AfD chairs several committees due to its electoral gains, major parties, including the SPD, argue it should be barred from leadership roles due to its extremist label.
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has called for a legal review to assess whether a formal ban is warranted.
Founded in 2013 as an anti-euro movement, the AfD has since transformed into a staunchly anti-migration party, gaining momentum after Germany’s 2015 refugee intake.
