German intel agency labels AfD ‘extremist’
The country’s most popular party has denounced the designation as “a severe blow” to democracy. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has officially classified the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an “extremist” party. This decision...
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The country’s most popular party has denounced the designation as “a severe blow” to democracy.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has officially classified the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an “extremist” party. This decision comes even as the AfD leads national opinion polls.
On Friday, Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) stated that the AfD displays numerous indications of acting against the free democratic basic order and accused the party of “disregarding human dignity.” This assessment stemmed from an “intensive and comprehensive expert review” of the party’s activities, affiliations, and statements made by its members.
Central to the agency’s decision is the description of the party's “understanding of people predominantly based on their ethnic descent.” The BfV claims that AfD leaders advocate for policies that exclude German citizens with migrant backgrounds, especially Muslims, from full societal participation. The report also highlighted the party’s use of phrases such as “knife-wielding migrants” and its tendency to attribute violent behavior to non-European ethnic groups.
“The continuous incitement against refugees and migrants… promotes the spread and deepening of prejudices, resentment, and fears,” the BfV concluded.
AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla have criticized the ruling, asserting, “Today’s classification is a severe blow to German democracy. The AfD is the strongest party in current polls… Nevertheless, the AfD, as an opposition party, is now being publicly discredited and criminalized shortly before the change of government.”
In contrast, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz cautioned against rushing into any decisions regarding restrictions on the party. “I think this is something that cannot be rushed into,” he remarked in response to inquiries about a possible outright ban on the AfD.
The BfV's statement follows a recent Forsa poll that indicated the AfD’s support at 26%, surpassing Germany’s Christian Democrats and the Social Democratic Party of Germany. The AfD has gained traction amid voter discontent with mainstream parties, as well as growing concerns over immigration and the economy.
Despite its significant polling support, the federal election two months ago resulted in a victory for the Christian Democrats, who have indicated they have no intention of cooperating with right-wing parties.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has officially classified the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an “extremist” party. This decision comes even as the AfD leads national opinion polls.
On Friday, Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) stated that the AfD displays numerous indications of acting against the free democratic basic order and accused the party of “disregarding human dignity.” This assessment stemmed from an “intensive and comprehensive expert review” of the party’s activities, affiliations, and statements made by its members.
Central to the agency’s decision is the description of the party's “understanding of people predominantly based on their ethnic descent.” The BfV claims that AfD leaders advocate for policies that exclude German citizens with migrant backgrounds, especially Muslims, from full societal participation. The report also highlighted the party’s use of phrases such as “knife-wielding migrants” and its tendency to attribute violent behavior to non-European ethnic groups.
“The continuous incitement against refugees and migrants… promotes the spread and deepening of prejudices, resentment, and fears,” the BfV concluded.
AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla have criticized the ruling, asserting, “Today’s classification is a severe blow to German democracy. The AfD is the strongest party in current polls… Nevertheless, the AfD, as an opposition party, is now being publicly discredited and criminalized shortly before the change of government.”
In contrast, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz cautioned against rushing into any decisions regarding restrictions on the party. “I think this is something that cannot be rushed into,” he remarked in response to inquiries about a possible outright ban on the AfD.
The BfV's statement follows a recent Forsa poll that indicated the AfD’s support at 26%, surpassing Germany’s Christian Democrats and the Social Democratic Party of Germany. The AfD has gained traction amid voter discontent with mainstream parties, as well as growing concerns over immigration and the economy.
Despite its significant polling support, the federal election two months ago resulted in a victory for the Christian Democrats, who have indicated they have no intention of cooperating with right-wing parties.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
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