Berlin, (EFE).- Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) officially designated the far-right party Alternative for Germany (Afd) as a confirmed case of right-wing extremism on Friday.
The decision puts the party, set to lead the opposition in the upcoming legislative term, under significant pressure just days before the new parliament is sworn in.
The BfV, which operates under the Interior Ministry as the country’s domestic intelligence agency, stated that AfD promotes ideas that are “compatible with the constitutional order.”
The agency specifically cited the party’ “ethnic ancestry-based concept of national identity,” which fuels agitation against minorities and certain social groups.
Afd secured second place in Germany’s federal elections in February with 20.8% of the vote, granting it the leadership of the opposition.
The BfV’s applies to the entire party, beyond previous designations in the states of Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla rejected the ruling and pledged to pursue legal action.
Legal battle and accusations of political bias
AfD has previously attempted, unsuccessfully, to legally contest its classification as a “suspected case” of extremism.
Following the BfV’s latest announcement, Weidel, and Chrupalla issued a joint statement calling the move “a heavy blow to democracy in Germany.”
The classification allows authorities to intensify surveillance of AfD officials, including potential wiretapping or infiltration of the party when anti-constitutional activities are detected.
These measures are part of the BfV’s mandate to monitor threats to the democratic order.
However, political scientist Hajo Funke of Berlin’s Free University warned that infiltration could complicate any attempt to ban the party.
“If you’re thinking of banning AfD, then informants may become a problem, as they can influence party decisions,” Funke told EFE.
Under German law, only the federal government, the Bundestag (lower house), or the Bundesrat (upper house) can initiate proceedings to ban a political party.
The Constitutional Court would then have the final say.
Both acting Chancellor Olaf Scholz and interim Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed caution regarding such a move.
“This isn’t a decision to rush,” Scholz said, emphasizing that previous party ban requests have been rejected by the Constitutional Court.
Debate intensifies over political legitimacy of AfD
The BfV’s decision comes as mainstream political parties debate how to engage with AfD in parliament.
Within the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is expected to lead the new government, some voices have suggested treating AfD like any other party.
But this idea is firmly opposed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the CDU’s coalition partner.
SPD Secretary General Matthias Miersch told Der Spiegel that the BfV’s ruling proves AfD places itself “outside the constitutional framework” by systematically undermining human dignity.
Despite increasing scrutiny, AfD continues to gain voter support.
A poll released Friday by public broadcaster ZDF put the party at 23%, above its general election performance.
While BfV classifications have had limited impact on AfD’s rise so far, it remains to be seen how being officially labeled a “confirmed case” of extremism will affect its standing with voters. EFE
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