BERLIN (AP) – The German domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), announced on Friday that it has classified the Alternative for Germany party (AfD) as a "right-wing extremist effort." This classification subjects the party to increased surveillance of its activities across the country, highlighting the perceived extremist character of the party, which has been accused of disregarding human dignity, particularly regarding immigrants from predominantly Muslim countries.
The decision follows the AfD's performance in national elections held in February, where it placed second, drawing attention to its rising influence. The BfV’s statement pointed out that the party undermines democratic principles and promotes a vision that aims to exclude certain demographic groups from full participation in society. The agency identified this as a direct threat to the constitutional principles of equality and human dignity enshrined in German law.
According to the BfV, the AfD has been under enhanced scrutiny in certain regions and is now subject to comprehensive monitoring tools, such as informants and audio-video recordings. This decision is a significant escalation in the oversight of the party, reflecting growing concerns about the rising tide of extremism in Germany. The agency’s report indicated that more than 10,000 of the estimated 38,800 far-right extremists in Germany are affiliated with the AfD, underscoring the party's deep connections within extremist circles.
The BfV outlined that the AfD's core beliefs are incompatible with the basic democratic order. The agency noted the party has engaged in continuous agitation against minority groups and inflamed societal fears and hostilities through xenophobic and anti-minority rhetoric. Statements from leading AfD officials have been characterized by anti-Islamic and anti-Muslim sentiments, which further reinforces the agency's concerns about the party's extremist nature.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser addressed the public regarding the classification, emphasizing its clarity and the neutrality of the comprehensive audit, which reportedly spanned 1,100 pages. She asserted that the audit was free of political influence and was conducted to ensure the integrity of German democratic values. With the new classification, the surveillance of AfD activities must adhere to a "principle of proportionality," ensuring that any monitoring actions are justified and legally sound.
Importantly, the agency's decision does not equate to a ban of the party. Such an action could only be initiated through a request by either chamber of the German parliament or by the federal government through the Federal Constitutional Court. The classification as a right-wing extremist group marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against extremism in Germany, indicating a growing resolve to hold political entities accountable for their influence on societal harmony and democratic integrity.
This announcement by the BfV signals a proactive approach to tackling rising extremism in Germany, seeking to safeguard the democratic structure of the nation against ideologies that threaten its foundational principles.
