Germany’s domestic intelligence service just officially classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “right-wing extremist” organization. This designation codifies an unofficial classification first made in 2021, when sections of the party were labeled as potential extremists. The national party’s efforts to overrule the security services’ decision has now thrown the entire national party into turmoil. This enables governments to employ covert surveillance techniques, including communication interception.
Throughout Europe, the AfD has found newfound popularity in recent years. In February’s general election, they came in second. The party has smartly tapped into growing anti-immigration backlash, especially with Germany’s recent economic downturn. Currently, it leads in several opinion polls.
A few elements in the AfD have previously been classified as radical right-wing extremists. This comes despite the inclusion of three regional parties in eastern Germany and the party’s youth wing. It would help enable greater scrutiny of members of the party by security personnel. According to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), more than 10,000 of the approximately 38,800 far-right extremists in Germany are affiliated with the AfD.
Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, federal co-leaders of the AfD, condemned the security agency’s classification as unconstitutional. They contended that the action is intended to “publicly discredit and criminalize” their party. The leaders argued that the protests and threats of violence are symptomatic of an alarming erosion of democracy within Germany.
“It is sad to see the state of democracy in our country when the old parties are now even using the most politically questionable means against the strongest opposition party.” – Anton Baron
Political reactions to the designation have varied. The leader of the Social Democrats, Lars Klingbeil, announced that the AfD represents an assault on German democracy. It was a potent reminder that their radical agenda is the greatest threat facing our democracy today. He called for very serious reflection on how to fight the AfD’s impact in this new Bundestag.
Meanwhile, Germany is preparing for a new government. Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is well-positioned to lead a new coalition, raising the stakes on fierce debates within the AfD itself about the party’s future. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has already warned against a hasty ban of the party. He argues for critical, concerted assessment of its operations and impact.
The incoming coalition has promised to help address the growing acceptance of the AfD. They have begun to debate whether to launch a ban based on its classification as extremist. The BfV’s statement underscored concerns that elements within the party seek to “undermine the free, democratic order in Germany.”
